Chateau de Chambord
The most recognizable chateau in the world is Chateau de Chambord. It is a distinctive example of French and Italian Renaissance architecture. It is the largest chateau in the Loire Valley and was used as King Francis I’s hunting lodge. With 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, he preferred to reside at two other smaller chateaux nearby. As you wish, King Francis, as you wish.
The grounds began as soon as we passed through the large entry gate announcing both the chateau and Relais de Chambord. The long five-minute drive from the entry and past the numerous empty parking lots that are ready for Summer crowds only heightened my anticipation and excitement. As we rounded the corner to park the car, the huge chateau loomed in the distance. We appreciated the opportunity and luck to see the sight before the seasonal hordes descended.
Not even the pictures I’ve seen prepared me for the fairytale structure in the distance. While all the chateaux I have visited to this point have been jaw dropping, at Chateau de Chambord I truly had to take a moment. I was delightfully overwhelmed with the sheer size of the castle, the landscape as far as my eyes could see, and the tranquility of the spaces with gardens, manicured walking paths, and towers reaching straight up into the sky.
Since the castle is closed on Mondays, we spent the night at Relais de Chambord, which is located on the chateau grounds, and visited first thing the next morning. Relais de Chambord is a beautiful hotel that was once used to house the king’s hunting dogs. So yes, we were wonderfully spoiled, fed, and kenneled like royalty.
There are no words or pictures that can truly capture the beauty of Chateau de Chambord. One must truly experience it for oneself.
Chateau de Chambord shining with the stars at night
Double helix center staircase designed by Leonardo de Vinci. Enter from either side but you shall never meet!
King Francis I’s bedchamber. He has his own area where no one is allowed to enter without permission, and usually only for morning ceremonies and nighttime ceremonies.
Boticelli work of art in the chapelle, which was much smaller than one would expect in such a large …. hunting lodge.
A portion of the royal kitchen
One of the four spiral staircases in each corner of the keep
Oh, to be a pigeon in the cloche at the top, which was closed to the public
Royal gardens and hunting grounds
Chateau de Chambord with Relais de Chambord off to the right