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Château de Chambord: A Renaissance Masterpiece

Explore Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley's largest and most iconic Renaissance château, with its unique architecture and rich history.

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Château de Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley, is an iconic symbol of the French Renaissance. Built by King Francis I as a hunting lodge, its distinctive French Renaissance architecture blends medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures, possibly influenced by Leonardo da Vinci.

A brief summary to Château de Chambord

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and avoid potential queues.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the château and grounds involves a lot of walking.
  • Consider renting a Histopad for an interactive and informative tour of the château.
  • Allow at least half a day to fully experience the château and its surroundings.
  • Check the official website for seasonal events and activities.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Château de Chambord is located approximately 175 km south of Paris. From Paris, the drive takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes via the A10 highway. On-site parking is available for a fee. Parking P0, located 600m from the château, costs €6 per day. Parking P2, a bit further away, costs €5 per day. Payment can be made on-site at the automatic terminals.

  • Public Transport

    From Paris, take a train from Gare d'Austerlitz to Blois-Chambord station. The train journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Blois-Chambord station, take the Rémi-41 shuttle (Line 2) to Château de Chambord. The shuttle operates year-round and costs €3.30 for a single ticket (€6.60 round trip). Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. A combined train + shuttle + château entrance ticket (Rémi Pack) is also available.

  • Bicycle

    Chambord is accessible via the Loire à Vélo cycling route. The route offers scenic paths through the Loire Valley. Bike rentals are available on-site. The estate provides a 25 km cycle route, La Grande Promenade, around the castle.

Unlock the Best of Château de Chambord

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Discover more about Château de Chambord

Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as the largest and most recognizable château in the Loire Valley. Commissioned by King Francis I in 1519 as a royal hunting lodge, its architecture represents a blend of French medieval tradition and Renaissance innovation. The château's design may have been influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, with features like the double helix staircase in the center of the keep. This unique staircase allows people to ascend and descend without ever crossing paths. The château features 128 meters of façade and over 800 sculpted columns, with a roofline designed to resemble the skyline of Constantinople. The vast surrounding park and game reserve, enclosed by a 31-kilometer wall, spans 52.5 square kilometers. Over the centuries, Chambord has served various roles, including a temporary home for King Louis XIV and a refuge for art collections during World War II. Today, it welcomes visitors to explore its architecture, gardens and history. Visitors can explore the château's royal dwelling, 18th-century kitchens and formal gardens. The terraces offer panoramic views of the French gardens and the surrounding wooded estate. Chambord is accessible for self-guided visits, with options for Histopad rentals and guided tours.

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