The small hamlet of Chambord proudly sits next to the immense forested estate of Sologne which envelops and hides the largest castle of the Loire Valley.

The Chateau de Chambord is superb and truly a royal construction, imposing by its grandeur and graceful by its architecture.

In our Loire Valley itineraries, we give you the unique opportunity to discover this extravagant castle from every angle possible.

 

Chambord, le Magnifique !

the castle of Chambord

Chambord in winter - ©FJFY

The castle of Chambord comes out of the dreams of a young King, Francois I, to build an immense castle, in an Italian Renaissance style, to show his power and wealth to the entire Europe. Coming back from Italy with Leonardo Da Vinci - that he settled in Le Clos Lucé in Amboise, Francois Ist decided to immortalize himself by building a gigantic chateau representing his passion for architecture and hunting.

Chambord amazing staircase by Leonardo da Vinci

One of the most surprising architectural aspect of the castle is the double helix staircase designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. Its particularity is that it is possible to go up and down the stairs without ever seeing each other.

Leonardo Da Vinci stair in Chambord

The famous stairs in chambord - ©FJFY

Would you live in Chambord ?

However, this Loire valley castle was unpleasant to live in, almost uninhabitable. It was too big and with an endless number of rooms, stairs and chimneys, the chateau was impossible to heat and you’ll feel that if you visit Chambord on a cold day. At that time, the mosquitos would also invade the whole area that used to be marshes.

Over his whole life, Francois I actually only stayed in the Chateau de Chambord for less than 40 days.

Some figures about Chambord castle



- The facades are 156 meters long

- There are 77 stairs in the castle and 282 chimneys ! You can actually get on the roofs to enjoy the views and all the Italian style chimneys

- Not less than 800 sculpted capitals. 

 

Chambord day trip from Paris

Chambord roofs - ©FJFY

How to enjoy Chambord castle visit

Being the largest and most impressive castle in the Loire valley, you will certainly not be alone in this gigantic monument. From 11am until 4pm it is invaded buy buses coming on day trips from Paris...huge mistake! Don't worry, we will suggest several possibilities so you will enjoy the castle of Chambord without the throngs of tourists.

One of Francois I’s passion being la chasse à courre (stag hunting), the Chateau of Chambord is reputed for the hunting parties organized in the surrounding forests. Until President Nicolas Sarkozy abolished the “President Hunting Estates” - which costed a lot to the French taxpayers - Chambord would actually be one of the places French President would come for hunting.

If you wish, we can plan a special visit to see the game: stags, wild boar deers, etc. 

Almost as famous as Chambord is Chenonceau castle in the Loire Valley. The Lady's castle...

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Susan
This was a wonderful way to travel in France! Our tours were wonderful and the guidebook was very helpful. Each day we had suggestions of things to do and we loved every suggestion! Our car and our accommodations were first class. Having the french phone made travel easy since we could use Waze and Google Maps. If we return to France, we will …
Corinne
Lovely trip made easy by France just for you! We had a fabulous time in France on a two week driving trip. We provided a brief outline of some of the things we wanted to see and do and France Just for you created a daily itinerary, booked our Bed and Breakfasts and hotels, reserved our car and suggested things to see in each city we visited. It was …
Deidre & Kevin
Such a professional company and their attention to every detail was amazing. Car hire , French phone, tours and suggested stops were all fantastic. And the B& B’s in the country and wine districts were fabulous. The owners all very friendly and helpful as well as the accommodation being clean and beautiful. We cannot give enough praise for Emilie …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Beth, Moira & Ron from USA
Enjoying a Wine Tasting in Burgundy
Jim & Sarah
from the US
in love in Amboise!
The Miller Family
From the US
At the final games for the Women Fifa Worldcup in Lyon
Michele, Jacques, Nicole, Gaetan, Joanne & Keith
from Canada
In the Loire Valley
The Loo Family
From Malaysia
Visiting an out of the beaten track abbey in the Loire valley, with its owner
Pam & Mercer
From the US
In Paris
Stéphanie & Vania
from the US
on the Aiguille du Midi peak in the French Alps (Chamonix)
Steffi & Jeff
in Chenonceau castle....romantic !
David & Lindsay
From the US
Celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary in France
Young Nam, Albert & Myoung from the US
In the Dentelles de Montmirail, in Provence
Ginger & Tom
from the US
On the Eiffel Tower
Beverley & John
from Canada
In front of the Louvre pyramid in Paris

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