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Château de Chambord: A Renaissance Masterpiece

Discover Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley's largest and most extravagant château, a symbol of French Renaissance architecture and royal ambition.

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Château de Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley, is a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture. Built by King Francis I as a hunting lodge, it showcases a unique blend of medieval and classical design elements, including a double-helix staircase possibly influenced by Leonardo da Vinci.

A brief summary to Château de Chambord

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid potential overcrowding, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the castle and grounds involves a lot of walking.
  • Visit the rooftop terraces for panoramic views of the gardens and surrounding park.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the castle and its main rooms.
  • Consider renting a bike or electric golf cart to explore the extensive grounds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Paris, take a train from Gare d'Austerlitz to Blois-Chambord station (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). From Blois-Chambord station, take the Rémi bus line 2 or the Navette Chambord shuttle to the château. The bus journey takes around 25-30 minutes. A single bus ticket costs €3.30. Remember to keep your bus ticket to get a discount on the château entrance. Alternatively, consider the Rémi pack for train + bus + château entrance.

  • Driving

    From Paris, take the A10 highway towards Blois. Exit at Mer (Exit 16) and follow the signs to Chambord. The drive is approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, there are several paid parking areas available. Parking P0, located 600 meters from the château, costs €6 per day for cars and motorcycles. Parking P1 costs €12 for minibuses and €100 for coaches per day. Payment can be made at the automatic terminals located in the parking areas.

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Discover more about Château de Chambord

Château de Chambord, located in the Loire Valley, is an architectural marvel and a symbol of the French Renaissance. Commissioned by King Francis I in 1519, it was intended to be a royal hunting lodge, but it evolved into one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world. The château's design is attributed to Domenico da Cortona, with possible influence from Leonardo da Vinci. The château boasts a unique French Renaissance architecture, blending traditional medieval forms with classical structures. Its layout includes a keep, corner towers, and a moat, reminiscent of a typical castle. A highlight is the double-helix staircase, an architectural marvel that allows people to ascend and descend simultaneously without meeting. The rooftop terraces, adorned with sculpted columns and chimneys, offer panoramic views of the surrounding park. Chambord features 426 rooms, with 70 open to the public, showcasing the opulence of the French Renaissance. The interior design reflects an early illustration of French and Italian styles, organizing rooms into self-contained suites. The château is surrounded by a vast wooded park and game reserve, enclosed by a 31-kilometer wall. Over the centuries, Chambord has served various purposes, including hosting royalty like Louis XIV and Stanisław Leszczyński. During World War II, it safeguarded art collections from the Louvre and Château de Compiègne. Today, Château de Chambord is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its architecture, history, and cultural significance.

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