This is one of the most visited château in the Loire Valley and one of the largest! Château de Chambord is a famous French Renaissance castle, ordered by King François I in 1519, known for its distinctive architecture and the spectacular, interlocked double-helix staircase, which may have been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. It was built as a hunting lodge as many of the châteaus were in the valley rather than a permanent residence. The château is immense, containing 400 rooms. The most notable - historic double helix staircase, and the incredible 13,000-acre estate, which is the largest enclosed forest in Europe. They have improved the infrastructure around the château within the past 10 years which have many places to park for busses and cars. Allow yourself time to park and walk to the château as it can take a bit of time. Depending on how much you want to see, give yourself ample time to explore as there is much to see: art jewelry, furniture, etc. Additionally, this is one of the most visited châteaus in the valley. read more

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This historic French Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley of France is an astounding sight. Built under King Francis the 1st as a grand hunting lodge and a symbol of royal power incorporates medieval and classical styles. This chateau inspired the castle in Beauty and the Beast. It is massive with over 440 rooms. It housed the most iconic art from the Louvre from 1939-1945 including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. A truly mesmerizing experience. read more

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Bought via GetYouGuide, operated by City Wonders, Day trip to Lorie Valley with stops at two Chateaus (Chambord and Chenonceau) and the City of Blois. The bus was top of the line, the guide (can't remember his name), nice young guy, was very good. The chateau was AWESOME !!!!! We loved the City of Blois, would have wanted to spend more time there. Highly recommend this day trip !! Visited in April 2025 read more

One of the most incredible places I've ever visited! The chateau and gardens are something out of a fairytale- truly, as Disney's Beauty and the Beast is based off this castle! Note that the interior of the chateau is rather barren because the prior kings would "chateau hop" and bring all their furniture with them. Do not expect grandiose furniture or displays inside, since that was not how this chateau functioned in the past. We very much enjoyed our guided tour to learn the history and charm since there is not much to see in the walls. Views from the terrace are breathtaking, overlooking the gardens, ponds, and village. read more

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This is an amazing and amazingly big castle. And a well-visited one. Surrounded by a huge parkland and gardens. You can easily spend the whole day here. To see the insides as well as the outsides, a day probably won't be enough. We traveled with our Bulldog, so we came to admire the chateau from the outside and to enjoy some (long) walks in the parkland and gardens. Parking was easy and convenient (Parking Lot 0 - the closest to the castle). Only a 5 Euro fixed rate. Building began back in 1519 and was only completed in the 17th Century under Louis XIV! After that the setting of the parkland and gardens began and in the 18th Century the setting of the interior. During the Revoution, the chateau was plundered, but luckily wasn't destroyed. 1809 Napeoleon gave this chateau as a gift to maréchal Berthier. It went through different hands after that. During the WWII it was a depot to store arts and crafts. Since 1981 it's a World Heritage Site from UNESCO. It's quite the impressive architecture. Inside Versailles surely is the more impressive one. But just from the outside, I would say this one beats Versailles. The gardens are beautiful and there are long walks along the water. It's a very nice thing to do and many visitors actually do so. You could also rent a electric cart or bikes if you prefer. We walked and enjoyed it very much (even though quite hot on that sunny summer day). Close to the entrance and parking lot are several restaurants and shops. We did enjoy some wine tastings and bought some nice white wine. Souvenir shops and public toilets are located there as well. There's really a lot of green surrounding the big castle area and is perfect for a nice picnic with picture-perfect castle views. A really great visit and well worth the fair entrance fee. read more

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Chambord is one of my three favorite chateaux in France. Try to get there early before the crowds make it loud and a bit unpleasant.

This is the chateau to visit at Loire Valley according to Rick Steve the great traveler. We have listed this is a must do in our itinerary. The chateau occupied area is big. It take a long time just get to front of the castle. Plan your visit half day. The compound includes three floor chateau, French garden and back hunting ground. The chateau was built mid 16 century. The actual first residence after total complete is King Louis XIV. The chateau listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. This chateau may be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. The spiral staircase consists in a hollowed central core is one of the kind. One thing I can said is the best architecture of the building located on the top of building. It has later staircases. The castle is really shaped like renaissance look building. Chamboard inspire by renaissance construction. We were welcome by two people renaissance dress up on the horse. Each room has it unique lay out. It is fit to the king living. The top building is the lantern tower is the most intriguing. read more

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Well that's annoying - came to the grandest most anticipated chateau in loire valley to find it encased with scaffolding. Which seems to have been in place for close to a year now? Didn't get any nice photos. Overcrowded. Don't bother walking into the horse/birds of prey area - it's a whole separate ticket. For what we saw/got photos of, rip off. read more

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Even though it's not the most exciting thing to do in the world, I've wanted to go to the Loire Valley my whole life and finally got a chance recently. Château de Chambord is one of the most popular castles in the region so I definitely had to make our way here to explore it. Unfortunately, a lot of the exterior was under construction so I couldn't just stand and appreciate all the beauty without scaffolding. At any rate, it was a great experience and really liked the interior as well. Aside from the amazing spires on the roof, the huge spiral staircase was one of the best features of the home. On the roof, if you're lucky, you can get a good show of the horseback riders in the huge well-manicured field. read more

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Probably the most recognized chateau in France, this massive castle has an interesting staircase. You must climb to the top to see the great views of the town below and the gardens. We arrived early afternoon and there were no massive crowds in the middle of June. There was a whole section on one floor of disturbing artwork that didn't seem to have anything to do with the castle. The huge rooms were impressive because of their size. There wasn't much furniture on display. There is a stable with horse riding shows twice a day but our timing was off so we didn't get to see it. There is a lack of English descriptions on anything being displayed and we couldn't find any English brochures. Maybe they want you to buy the audio tour, which we didn't have time for. Fortunately we referred to our book on chateaus in the Loire Valley before we went. The history of Chambord is long and detailed, so brush up on it before you go. read more

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One of the most beautiful Châteaux! The architecture is amazing! Visited the Château in February and it was not crowded. Spent there 3 hours exploring the Château and it's grounds. Also, loved their souvenir shop; they have many things to choose from. read more

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Chateau de Chambord was an expression of François' I desire for power and extravagance and designed to confirm his status as one of the greatest revolutionary builder's of his age. Chambord is the Loire's largest residence adorned with the King's emblems (the letter F and the rather intimidating salamander which the latter resymbolize Salazar Slytherin's snake, a Harry Potter character). Chambord was originally intended to be François hunting lodge due to the rich forestland of the Sologne that surrounds it. This Chateau's most famous feature is the double-helix staircase, attributed by Leonardo da Vinci, which consists of two spiral staircases that wind around a central axis but never meet. This well known, outdoor double-helix spiral staircase was designed to separate men and women from direct contact with each other. Given the area's location, it is cold and damp for much of the year thus not suitable for living. Oui, the most beautiful Chateau I have seen. read more

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This chateau is so awesome -- it was built for those weekends when the rich and famous would come here to go 'hunting'. Back in the day, they would come to this chateau and rest up on the wknds & go hunting in the wilderness of the Loire Valley. My husband and I were so caught up with viewing the back of the chateau (closer to the front of the walkway as you enter from the parking lot), that we didn't realize that the front of the chateau was actually located towards the very back of the walkway... We didn't bother going inside the Chateau to explore; however, did get many photo opps with the back and front of the exterior of the chateau. Gorgeous :) While this chateau is not as popular as the Chenonceau Chateau, it's still graceful in its own right. My husband likes Chenonceau the best out of all the chateaus he's seen, although I have to say that I'm impressed with Versailles and Chambord too. :) For some reason I imagined chateaus to be huge; however, turns out that when you get close up to it -- it seems smaller than expected. Just lower your expectations when visiting...haha :) read more

Château de Chambord - Front of Chambord - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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The biggest of the chateau in the Loire Valley and the one with the famous double staircase perhaps designed by Leonardo Da Vinci after he ditched Italy for France in the last few years of his life. You can visit a lot of rooms (most sparsely furnished). It has some great views and cool architecture. We visited in late September when the crowds weren't too bad. A very impressive place to top. read more

Château de Chambord - Chateau Chambord - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

If there was one time for me to break my "no-tour-guides" rule, it was for Château Tour of Loire Valley. There is no reason to have a car in Paris, and those tour buses so well organized, with knowledgable guides, all entry fees to Château and parking fees included - and you save yourself an aggravation of driving. Château de Chambord is probably most recognizable and picturesque example of Renaissance architecture in the area. If you look at pictures, you will most definitely remember it from somewhere - be it movies or postcards, or posters. It's a classic - almost fairy-tale settings. We parked across the enormous green lash lawn - walking towards the actual building I feel like Alice in Wonderland, any minute I expect the white rabbit to appear, in black suit, holding pocketwatch. Build in 1500's for Royal family, it went through several changes and alterations from original construction, but the integrity of design always kept intact. Over the centuries it changed hands - at some point, it became private residence, before it was finally purchased by state and made UNESCO World Heritage site. The roofscape is simply amazing. The main towers are surrounded by countless chimneys, windows, gables, and decorations. The look of it is more of small town, which just plays to my fairy-tale assessment of it. Yes, I am charmed. And even I came with a group, after initial tour of interior - with it rich paintings, tapestries and decor collections - I break away to explore towers and grounds. The double-helix staircase is mesmerizing. It is beautiful. It is fascinating in the design and construction. I absolutely understand why it is most popular feature here - and why it design said to be attributed to Leonardo da Vinci himself. We only got to see nearest grounds and part of the forest, but the Chambord Park that once was a royal hunting grounds, is enormous and worth exploring as well, if you have time. read more

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Beautiful display of egonomenia that led to our own enjoyment! Francois 1st had a vision so did his successors. It is fascinating to realize that some of those who helped built it never even saw It! Take Leonardo de Vinci who drew the dramatic staircase just before his own death but didnt even get close to see the project in its final blue print. This was genius, pure genius. read more

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I wonder what this place would have looked like if it was completed? Overbudget and "just" a Hunting Lodge this is a pretty grand in and of itself. Passing through on our way to Paris our guide all those years ago told us it's one of the best things you'll see en our route to Paris. I know everyone mentions it's the "largest in the Loire valley", but as a tourist I kind of wanted to see places that were reknown in ALL of France, not just this valley. It's quintessentially Renaissance, but not to be confused with a castle, despite the moat. Double Helix DNA style staircases is really cool. Lots of history on the decorations and all that has happened. Personally I found it cold. I totally imagine them burning fires all throughout the premesis inside and out. I expected much more in the way of the stables and kennel for "hunting" dogs, horses and the like. It's open to the public, mostly buses and cabs stop by as it's not really walking distance like the attractions in Paris. A few vendors outside and some street performers. The guides could really condense as they tend to ramble. Take an hour to 2 to walk around and snap pics, but no need to tour the inside, except for that staircase. If you can also get as shot from down the boulevard or across the moats at sunrise or sunset it's very cool due to the orientation. Not a must stop in France, but a must stop if in the area or even if you pass on your way to Paris. read more

If you're going to come see a chateau, Chambord in the one to see. Easy driving distance to Paris, which is also why you'll want to plan around the throngs of tour buses that descend upon the chateau - plan to get here early There are stands lining the entryway with locals' wares - we scored some lovely local honey! The gardens are well kept & though not as elaborate as others we saw in the Loire Valley, they still impressed. Horse riders in period dress were out & about & this added a sense of whimsy The inside was 3 huge floors of winding staircases, huge tapestries and lovely paintings. This is a must-see read more

Another must see with the castle's unique architecture, featuring different shapes of lantern towers. Another unique feature is the double helix staircase, vaulted rooms on the second floor and the well equipped 18th century kitchen. read more

Château de Chambord - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Chateau de Chambord is one of my favorite places to be in France. I loved everything about Chateau de Chambord, talk about amazing, beautiful and fabulous! We stumbled across this extraordinary chateau on one of our excursions. I am adding this place to my list of favorites for travelers to visit. An absolute must see if your in France! One of the most distinct chateaus in the world. Lucky for me I got to enjoy it with Dutchman. The last time we were here we had a lovely picnic behind the medieval castle, it was one of my biggest highlights of the summer. read more

Like many other big castles/museums/sights, I recommend taking a guidebook with you on this visit. I had both my Lonely Planet and my torn-out chapter from Rick Steves. The map I got at the ticket booth was helpful in keeping me from getting lost, but the guidebook helped me see everything in an orderly fashion. I took a shuttle from Blois which was 6E for the day and dropped you off at Chambord, Cheverny, Beauregard, then back to Blois. We also got a small discount at each chateau after showing our shuttle ticket. It was an excellent value, especially because there is pretty much no other public transportation to these chateaux. Amazingly, there was only one person working the ticket counter when several busloads of tourists arrived. It was a painstaking wait, but we were all in the same boat and there was nothing to be done. Two tour guides tried to cut ahead of us to get their reserved tickets, then got in a shouting match with each other about who was the more official tour guide, which was entertaining. The chateau was beautifully furnished, with information posted in English and French throughout. There were many visitors, but the chateau was so big and we were so spread out that it didn't feel too crowded. The informative video showing in the first big room to your left when you enter was worth watching. I popped into almost every room except the ones on the 2nd floor, which were stripped of their period furniture and filled with modern art exhibits instead. The rooftop had some superb views of the park. I was so inspired by the exterior architecture, especially the views from the lawn out front and to the sides, that I sketched for the first time in years! I didn't try the food from the crepe bar close to the chateau or from the small sort of village behind the chateau, but there seemed to be plenty of options to choose from at lunchtime. I felt like I saw everything I needed to see. If I return to the Loire Valley, I will probably see other chateaux instead of revisiting this one. read more

This massive, Renaissance-style castle is the largest in the Loire Valley and the most popular. Its size is stunning: it has 440 rooms, 356 fireplaces, and 84 staircases. It needs that many fireplaces because it feels cold in there, both literally and in the character of the chateau. If I recall correctly, the architect was Italian and the architectural highlight of the chateau was a new design from Italy, a spectacular double-helix open staircase in the center of chateau. The two helices ascend three floors without ever meeting. In other words, although I believe you can catch glimpses of the other person, a person ascending and a person descending would never meet. This chateau is a magnificent and impressive structure, but lacks charm and a certain je ne sais quoi. =) read more

Wow wow wow! How amazing is this place!? The château is huge, with it's 540 rooms .... We loved visiting here and our kids were over the top with enthousiasm. But we loved the domain around the château more. We rented a quadrocycle and cycled around the water and château. Around that route you can make multiple stops to look at the animals (wildlife, no petting zoo people!). The domain is 5440 hectare, so there is something for everyone. We also visited the "obsérvatoires" on the edges of the domain and it has to be amazing there in the mornings and evenings. The entrance prices are really decent for what you get. The bicycles and sorts however are on the steap side, but then again .... where is it cheap ;) We loved it and truly recommend going here if you are in the neighbourhood. read more

HUGE!! This is the biggest chateau in the Loire Valley and a do not miss just for the incredible size of the place. Unfortunately, the inside is a big disappointment and is, for the most part, bleak and barren. There are rooms with hundreds of antlers and mounted heads since this place used to be a hunting lodge. If you want beautifully decorated interiors check out Cheverny and Chenonceau. The double helix staircase is a fun feature of the chateau and can provide a good amount of giggles as you climb the stairs and see if you and another person will ever meet on the other staircase. If you're easily impressed by large size, see this chateau. But after you get over the size and want something more, check out the other chateaus in the Loire Valley. read more

Our visit to Chambord was part of a guided tour to the Loire Valley, which I would highly recommend so you can learn about the French Royal family, and their time living in Chambord, Chenonceau and Versailles. This chateau was also the inspiration behind Beauty and the Beast! The chateau is on the larger size - many rooms to explore, and you can also go out to the balconies to view the grounds. I would definitely recommend a visit here - it was very interesting to learn more about the history of France. read more

Great Château, awesome rooms and just all around amazing place to explore; however, it is run by the state and means you have to pay for parking, bathroom etc... The other Château's privately run we did not have to do that. The ticket price was good. Most room were closed due to construction. Staff was nice. Gift shop is okay. Great for a family adventure. Good little café's for good eats. Go! Explore, you'll love it! read more

The royal chateau at Chambord is absolutely stunning and really looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is basically a hunting lodge that went madly over budget and was originally built for Francois I. The exterior is magnificent and inside there is the most amazing 'double' staircase which has to be seen to be believed but is an architectural triumph! The rooms are sparsely furnished but give some idea of a court residence during the eighteenth century. The surrounding parkland is very lovely as well. read more

Really enjoy taking family and friends to this Chateau. On this occasion, my wife and Daughter loved the castle. We stayed at a nearby hotel called Le Prieure de Boulogne and LOVED it. Set in the country, you hear the sound of Sparrows flying by and singing in the gentle wind blowing through nearby trees. In the AM we heard the flock of sheep they keep on the premise. Just a beautiful setting and the staff were incredible. Highly recommend. read more

Well worth the trip in the Loire Valley. Not too crowded when we visited. Extensive rooms and grounds to explore. We did the guided tour and I highly recommend it. Roof access was one of our favorite parts. Easy 1 to 1 1/2-hour side trip over here with gorgeous scenery approaching the Chateau with its large moat. Exhibits and information placards inside were detailed and well-done. read more