Planning a trip to the Loire Valley? A visit to the Château de Chambord is an absolute must! World-famous for its revolutionary architecture (double staircases, decorative fireplaces...), it is also the largest of the Loire castles, built in the largest enclosed forest in France. Conceived by the young king François I as a symbol of power, this 16th-century edifice later housed other illustrious figures, such as Louis XIV.
In this article, you'll find a selection of images to help you prepare for your visit and make up your own mind about this UNESCO World Heritage site.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Chambord Castel?
Is Château de Chambord worth it? Our opinion:
Absolutely! We were stunned by the castle's impressive proportions. Whether on the estate or in the 70 rooms open to visitors, everything seems huge! While some rooms are empty, a large proportion are furnished thanks to the estate's acquisition policy. Some are reconstructions, others are thematic, providing a better understanding of the castle's history and court life.
Why is the castle famous?
The château is famous for its double spiral staircase, the backbone of the building. All the rooms are organized around this staircase, which is a great architectural innovation. Its layout, with two ramps winding one above the other around a central core, takes visitors by surprise. These two spirals are not visible at first glance. So it's easy to get lost when, without realizing it, you don't take the same flight of stairs! Now you know where to go for fun in an ingenious architectural system inspired by the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
Our favorite moments
A visit to the Chambord estate is a rich experience for all tastes. As far as we're concerned, here are our favorites:
- The ceiling of the double staircase: don't forget to admire the ceiling of the staircase when you reach the terraces, its decorative abundance is spectacular!
- The view from the terraces: famous for their magnificent decorative fireplaces, the terraces also offer superb views over the gardens and the estate.
- The Queen's apartment: we found this room very elegant, with its beautiful marquetry furniture and blue drapes.
History in brief
Following his victory at the Battle of Marignan in 1515, the young king François I returned to France in a blaze of glory. Inspired by the Renaissance style he had seen in Italy, he decided to have a château built as a symbol of his power: the Château de Chambord was commissioned in 1519. He was born in the Sologne region of France, an ideal setting for one of the sovereigns' main pastimes: hunting. The central part of the château, the keep, was completed in 1539, allowing the king to spend a few weeks there before his death in 1547.
It wasn't until the reign of Louis XIV that the château was completed. A stable was built around the property. On several occasions, the Sun King stayed at the monument with his court, for large-scale hunting parties and entertainments. In the 18th century, the château's interior gained in comfort with the installation of wood panelling, parquet flooring and permanent furniture. Louis XV successively housed his father-in-law Stanislas Leszczynski, King of Poland in exile between 1725 and 1733, and then the Marshal of Saxony, as a reward for his military victory at Fontenoy (1745).
Although looted, Chambord escaped destruction during the French Revolution. In the 19th century, the château was abandoned, before passing through the hands of several owners, including the Comte de Chambord. Although in exile for political reasons, he restored the château and even opened it to the public! Inherited by his nephews, it became state property in 1930. During the Second World War, the château was spared and became a refuge for works from national museums. It was listed by UNESCO in 1981.
Practical tips and map: Château de Chambord, Chambord, Loire Valley, France
Where is Château de Chambord?
The château is located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, at the following address: Domaine National de Chambord, 41250 Chambord.
- Driving time from Nantes: 3h20,
- Driving time from Angers: 2h15,
- Driving time from Saumur: 1h50,
- Driving time from Tours: 1h,
- Driving time from Orléans: 50min,
- Driving time from Blois: 20min.
Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there?
There are several ways to get to Chambord:
- Getting there by train:
The nearest station is Blois-Chambord, with regular connections to major cities such as Orléans (2h direct TER), Tours (1h20) and Paris (1h20). From certain departure cities such as Nantes, Saumur or Angers, you'll need to make a connection in Tours.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
Once you arrive at the station, we recommend that you take the shuttle bus directly to the estate. To consult the timetable, go to the official website here. A "Rémi" pack gives you discounts on your train, shuttle and château tickets. To find out more, click here.
If you're looking for a 3-day train itinerary to discover the chateaux of the Loire Valley, we've put together a dedicated article for you.
- Go by private transport via an excursion:
From Tours and Amboise by minibus: guided tours in English of the castles of Chenonceau, Amboise and Chambord with wine tasting: See prices, availability and book now!
From Amboise by minibus: guided tours of the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord with lunch. See prices, availability and book now!
From Paris by private vehicle: guided tours of the châteaux of Chenonceau and Chambord with wine-tasting classes. See prices, availability and book now!
- Go by bike:
The Loire à Vélo network runs through the estate, linking Cuffy (near Nevers) to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (Loire-Atlantique). It has bicycle parking. Plan your itinerary on the official website here.
- Get there by car:
If you're planning to visit several Loire castles, we advise you to bring your own vehicle. It's the most convenient way to get from one tourist attraction to the next without wasting too much time. The Chambord estate is less than 2 hours south of Paris and 15 km from Blois. It's accessible:
- From the A10 freeway, exit Mer (n°16) or Blois (n°17).
- From the A85 freeway, exit Selles-sur-Cher (no. 13).
- From the A71 freeway, exit Lamotte-Beuvron (n°3).
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking
The estate has several large parking lots. Open 24 hours a day, they charge a fee. We recommend that you pay for your parking on arrival at the pay stations provided. Here's all the information you need on the various parking facilities:
- Parking lot P0 (600 meters from the château): accessible to all vehicles under 2m10 in height, at €6/day. Free PRM seating on presentation of proof at ticket office.
- Parking P2 (750 m from the château): accessible to all vehicles under 2.10 m in height, at €5/day. No reserved spaces for PRMs.
- Parking P2 (750 m from the château): accessible to motorhomes and vehicles over 2m10 in height, at a rate of 11€/ 24h. Motor homes must not be parked in the parking lot.
- Free bicycle parking.
There's also a €10 season ticket for 10 parking spaces a year, available from the château ticket office.
Best time to visit the castle
The Château de Chambord is the largest and best-known château in the Loire Valley, so it's always very busy! In 2022, the estate welcomed 1,053,943 visitors! If possible, we therefore advise you to visit us on weekdays, outside school vacations and public holidays. In terms of timing, we recommend a morning visit. The estate is very busy from 12pm to 5pm, with a peak between 2pm and 4pm.
To make sure your visit is a success, book your ticket now!
Length of visit and main difficulties
To visit the château and gardens, we recommend you allow at least 3 hours. Allow a full day if you'd like to take part in an activity (boat trip, etc.) or stroll through the estate's forest!
Although the castle courtyard is paved, the rooms on the first floor are accessible to people with reduced mobility. These are the didactic rooms of the tour. The formal gardens are accessible via ramps. Canes and wheelchairs are available at the château reception desk.
The Histopad is a tablet that offers an immersive tour experience, with 3D reconstructions of 9 rooms. It allows people with reduced mobility to discover the upstairs rooms that are not accessible. Sign language and audio description versions are available.
A left-luggage service is available. Dogs are allowed on the estate, but not in the château, formal gardens or stables.
Advice on how to visit
The direction of visit is not imposed. However, we recommend you visit the castle first, then the gardens, where the crowds are smaller. On arrival, you will receive a tour brochure with a floor plan. Some are marked with red stars: these are the rooms to visit if you only have 1 hour to spare. As far as we're concerned, we preferred to do all the rooms on the first floor, which give a better understanding of the estate's history, followed by the 1st and second floors. The terraces are the highlight of the visit. We then explored the gardens.
The castle with children
This tour is perfect for kids! They even have a dedicated space on the 2nd floor of the dungeon, called "Le logis des enfants". It includes 16 discovery and experimentation activities (sound experiments, manipulable installations, etc.). The content is available in French and English, and is accessible from the age of 3. The hall is open from 9am to 5:30pm with free access.
To visit the rest of the château and its formal gardens, enigma books for 7-12 year-olds are on sale at the reception desk and estate ticket office.
If your children are under 6, please note that baby carriers with metal frames must be deposited at the depot. A stroller can be borrowed at the entrance. A stroller depot is available in the château, as are bottle warmers and changing tables in the toilets.
Finally, activities to do at home can be downloaded, and tours and workshops for families are regularly organized. To find out more, visit the official website here.
Schedules and rates
The estate's grounds are freely accessible. Opening times for the château and gardens are listed below.
Open daily:
- 9am to 5pm (January 2 to March 24 and October 30 to December 22).
- 9am to 6pm (March 25 to October 29 and December 23 to December 30).
- Closed on January 1, November 27 and December 25.
- Last admission to château and gardens 30 minutes before closing time.
Here are the prices:
- Full price: €16
- Reduced rate (unemployed...) €13.50.
- Free admission for under-18s, people with reduced mobility and their companions...
- To see the full list of discounted and free ticket holders, visit the official website here.
For added peace of mind, remember to book your ticket in advance!
Guided tours
Would you prefer to discover Chambord on a guided tour? The estate offers a tour focusing on the château's architecture, or an in-depth look at the building's history, with access to previously unseen rooms. For more information on rates and conditions, visit the official website here.
Here are our other ideas for visits:
- 2-hour castle tour with local guide: see prices, availability and book now!
- Guided tours in English of the castles of Chenonceau, Amboise and Chambord with wine tasting (from Tours or Amboise): see prices, availability and book now!
- Guided tours of Chenonceau and Chambord castles with lunch (from Amboise): see prices, availability and book now!
- Guided tours of the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord with wine tasting classes (from Paris): see prices, availability and book now!
Catering
There are several restaurants on the estate.
For lunch with a view of the château:
- Autour du Puits: choose it to eat at the foot of the castle! On the menu, you'll find salads, sandwiches, desserts and a few hot dishes based on local produce.
- Café d'Orléans: the menu is the same as the "Autour du Puits" restaurant, but this time you can eat in the building's inner courtyard!
- Hotel-restaurant Le Relais de Chambord: are you more of a bistronomic type? Enjoy the superb terrace of the Relais de Chambord, opposite the monument!
For lunch on the village square, next to the parking lots:
- Les Armes du Château: the ideal place to enjoy fast food (ice creams, crêpes, sandwiches) in a friendly atmosphere.
- La Crêperie du Cerf/Monument Café: original crepes made from local produce, in a setting that highlights the castle.
- Le Saint-Louis: enjoy a French brasserie atmosphere in this restaurant serving traditional cuisine.
- La Cave des Rois: are you a wine lover? This fresh produce restaurant is ideal for you, with its wide selection of wines and the expert advice of its staff.
To taste AOC Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny wines, you can also visit the Maison des Vins.
If you'd rather have a picnic, there are picnic areas all over the estate!
Revolutionary architecture
Plan and facades
Château de Chambord is an architectural masterpiece. It offers a skilful blend of Renaissance style and medieval heritage. Although the name of the architect who built the building is not known due to the lack of archives, it is known that he was influenced by Leonardo da Vinci. Indeed, following the battle of Marignan, François I discovered Italian architecture and decided to bring Leonardo da Vinci to France as "the king's first painter, architect and engineer".
The first Italian-inspired feature is the central Greek cross plan of the castle's central section: the keep. It was the palace in its own right before 2 adjacent buildings were added in 1526. It's called a "Greek cross" because the four sides of the building open onto large halls that spread out around the double-revolution staircase, which we found sublime. Leonardo da Vinci's influence can also be felt in other innovations, which we were unable to locate: double-pit latrine system, ventilation duct, waterproofing system for terraces...
Finally, we took a long look at the castle's facades, which are influenced by monuments from Roman antiquity, such as the Colosseum, or Italian buildings from the Quattrocento (15th century Italy). As a result, the layout of the château is easily legible from the outside. The levels are separated horizontally by molded bodies and vertically by pilasters and pillars. In this respect, Château de Chambord is an emblematic building of the Renaissance style!
Decorative abundance: see you on the terraces!
We really appreciated the castle's sculpted decor. We noticed these decorations, inspired by the palaces of Tuscany and Milan, all over the place during our visit. This feature is typical of First Renaissance buildings (1420-1500). However, this stylistic vocabulary inherited from Italian traditions is here revisited according to French taste. We were able to see symbols of royalty such as the fleurs de Lys, or the emblem of François I: the salamander. This is particularly true of the coffered ceilings in the impressive vaulted rooms on the 2nd floor!
It's on the terraces, however, that you'll see the greatest concentration of ornamentation in the castle. Here, the blend of Renaissance sculptural decoration and Gothic verticality works wonders! At the center of the terraces, we admired the lantern tower, which, at 56 meters high, is the highest point of the castle. Keep your eyes peeled! Its top is adorned with a fleur-de-lys motif. The pavilion roofs feature stair turrets, dormer windows and 282 chimneys. All these elements are adorned with slate medallions, lozenges, squares, semicircles and triangles, reminiscent of the marble inlays on the Charterhouse of Pavia, a monastery in Italy where Francis I was taken prisoner.
Observing the architecture from the terraces made us aware of the medieval influence still present in this building, with its corner towers and moat. What's more, we were able to get a 360° view of the estate, which we thought was the highlight of our visit!
The double-revolution staircase
A staircase inspired by the work of Leonardo da Vinci
This staircase is the castle's architectural marvel! As we mentioned earlier, this innovation was inspired by the work of Leonardo da Vinci. Indeed, the helix, a movement that fascinates the artist and engineer, forms the basis of the construction. This is reflected, for example, in his study of the "Aerial Vis", a prototype helicopter. Moreover, a study of his sketches and diagrams shows that the Florentine master had imagined a staircase with not two, but four revolutions. Although it is certain that Leonardo da Vinci did not lead the project, having died when it was launched in 1519, he most probably influenced it.
To find out more about Leonardo da Vinci's work, read our article dedicated to the Château du Clos-Lucé!
A grand staircase
The staircase features a central openwork core around which two spiral banisters, supported by eight pillars, wind one above the other. In other words, two staircases are nested one above the other. So 2 people using different ramps never pass each other! They can only be seen through the windows in the core, which let in light. In the 16th century, this game was a veritable court stage production, and fascinated visitors just as much as it does today. The staircase also facilitated the flow of comings and goings, especially for the king, who could circulate without passing his courtiers.
Other double-revolution staircases
Other double-revolution staircases were built before the Chambord staircase, albeit less majestically. First of all, the Château de Saumur, which enabled nobles to avoid crossing paths with their servants. Located in the building's southwest tower, it would have been built at the end of the 14th century, more than a century before Château de Chambord was built! He himself was inspired by "la grande viz". du Louvre, a spiral staircase designed by architect Raymond du Temple. These 2 cases are not isolated. The same type of staircase can be found in the Saint Nicolas tower (1345), which guards the entrance to the port of La Rochelle, or in Prague Cathedral (1342). Today, a total of 5 staircases of this type and era remain in Europe.
For more information, read our article dedicated to the Château de Saumur!
Visit the château: in the intimacy of the kings of France
Our visit revealed 2 main historical facts. The château was embellished by 2 kings of France, who used it as a temporary residence: François I and Louis XIV. The reconstruction of the château's rooms aims to highlight the legacy they left behind.
In the footsteps of François I
Let's start with the rooms marked by the presence of the king who commissioned the château. First of all, we recommend you take the time to admire the vaulted rooms on the 2nd floor. Their ceilings are decorated with the emblems of François I, such as the salamander and the monogram "F". These symbols can be found in a room we really appreciated: the chapel. The largest room in the building, it is relatively discreet as it is located in a corner tower on the 1st floor, and is only visible from the outside by a cross at the top. Completed under the reign of Louis XIV, it provides a unique insight into the château's history, featuring the emblems of kings François I, Henri II, Louis XIV and the Count of Chambord. Can you find them?
Here are the other rooms featuring François I.
1st floor:
- François I's dwelling and its oratory: located in the corner tower of the royal wing symmetrically opposite the chapel, this is a must-see!
- The queen's bedroom and antechamber: before the completion of the royal wing, these rooms constituted the 1st dwelling of François I. It was later occupied by Maria Theresa of Austria, wife of Louis XIV. We found the decor and furnishings in this room particularly beautiful.
2nd floor:
- The Renaissance dwelling: these rooms, which were left empty, gave us a better understanding of what a Renaissance dwelling was like, consisting of a bedroom, a wardrobe, a study...with only the emblems of François I as ornaments, they let the visitor concentrate on the ingenious architecture of the château.
- The trophy gallery: the king used this room to display his hunting trophies. We therefore recommend that you avoid this room if hunting makes you uncomfortable.
In the footsteps of Louis XIV
Let's continue our tour of the château, this time visiting the rooms marked by the presence of the Sun King. The room that impressed us most was the parade room, a must-see on our visit. Located in the Parade Apartment, which comprises 8 other rooms, this room is undoubtedly the most luxurious, with its rich furnishings and gilding. It shows an alcove, the sovereign's private space housing his parade bed. The rest of the room was accessible to the king's family and courtiers for bedtime ceremonies. We found this room impressive, with its 18th-century decor. This is where Marshal de Saxe died in 1750.
In addition to the parade room, you'll also find, on the 1st floor:
- 1st antechamber: this room was part of the king's ceremonial apartment. Lined with seats, it was a waiting area for courtiers before they were admitted to the sovereign's chamber.
- 2nd antechamber: this room also served as a waiting area under Louis XIV, before becoming a "Salle de Compagnie" in the 18th century, with games and entertainment.
- The private chambers: in the ceremonial apartment, they gave access to the royal wardrobe. In the 18th century, it seems that one of these rooms became the Maréchal de Saxe's private bedroom.
- The guard room: this was the entrance to the royal retinue, and housed the guards charged with protecting the king day and night. In the 18th century, it was transformed into a "coffee room", before being converted into a billiard room. An earthenware stove from this period has survived to this day, and caught our eye in particular.
The 18th-century apartments
As you may have noticed, the château's rooms were extensively refurbished in the 18th century. We were able to appreciate this by observing all the modern elements of the period (stove, woodwork, textile decor, false ceilings, parquet floors...). This is explained by the fact that, during this period, Chambord became a permanent residence for Louis XV and Louis XVI's close relations and senior officers (King Stanislas Leszczynski of Poland, Marshal Maurice de Saxe...). His guests slept in the "Chambre de la Princesse de Conti". We really enjoyed this room, which gives us an idea of the décor of women's bedrooms at the time. It has a rich history, having also served as the bedroom of Marie-Anne de Bourbon-Conti, the legitimate daughter of Louis XIV and Louise de La Vallière.
Here are other rooms, again on the 1st floor, decorated in 18th-century style:
- The governor's bedroom: at the end of the 18th century, Louis XVI assigned Chambord to the kingdom's stud farm department, headed by the Marquis de Polignac. The latter, then his nephew, became governor of the area. In our opinion, this room is worth the detour, with its refined decor and annexes (boudoirs...) that give an idea of the innovations in comfort of the time!
- The "laurel room": what a setting! This room, aptly named with its floral hangings, is sure to delight!
- The study: it's not clear what function this room has had over the centuries (wardrobe, small bedroom...). Today, however, it is presented as an 18th-century study, where the occupant of the adjoining room received guests, kept his precious objects and worked.
Touring the château: the theme rooms
To give visitors a better understanding of the château's history, several themed rooms have been set up on the different floors of the building.
Occupying the courtyard
During our visit, we learned more about royal court entertainments. Several rooms are dedicated to hunting, which is still very much part of the identity of the Sologne region. On the 2nd floor, you'll find a large space dedicated to hunting at Chambord. We were able to understand how the estate's park has grown to its current size. From the outset, it was conceived by François I as a "royal hunting lodge". We saw archives, a tapestry, a map of the estate, and stuffed animals.
The other court entertainment was the theater. To discover it, we recommend you visit the 1st floor, where you'll find a reconstruction of Molière's theater. The latter first presented Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme in 1670, in this very room!
Other rooms allow you to immerse yourself in these courtly entertainments:
- The Salle des Chasses: on the first floor, next to the kitchens, this room has served many functions over the centuries. Today, it is represented as a reception room, with decor recalling Chambord's long tradition of hunting. Don't miss the 19th-century sculpture of François I hunting wild boar!
- Le Théâtre du Maréchal de Saxe: the vaulted north room on the 2nd floor was used by the Maréchal de Saxe to entertain his guests. We succeeded in imagining a sumptuous stage and set by looking for the remains of this theater (holes, hooks, hollowed-out or painted caissons...) still present on the walls, vault, and inter-window pillars.
Didactic rooms
A visit to the château would not be complete without passing through the more "didactic" rooms. They are mainly located on the first floor, with the audiovisual room, the Salle des Bourbons and the Salle des Illustres. We recommend that you start your visit in the audiovisual room, where 2 computer-generated films on the history and architecture of the château are shown continuously.
After this invaluable introduction, we moved on to the hall of illustrious figures, which left a lasting impression on us. We were simply overwhelmed by its size! This is one of the most refined rooms in the château, with its white beams and gilded tapestries. Adorned with paintings of illustrious figures from French history, it gave us an idea of the importance of the guests received at Chambord.
The next room, the Bourbon Room, features portraits of members of the Bourbon family. They come from the collection of the Comte de Chambord, heir to the Bourbon family and owner of the estate in the 19th century. Opening the château to visitors in 1821, the collection was a museum to the glory of his family!
Then head up to the 2nd floor to discover a little-known aspect of Chambord's history: its role during the Second World War! 4 rooms explain how the château became a sorting and storage center for national artworks and private collections. Works from the Louvre and the Châteaux of Versailles and Fontainebleau had to be sheltered away from the main roads. In 1944, Chambord and its treasures were nearly wiped out when a bomber crashed into the gardens! We were enthralled by this section of the tour, which, with its immersive scenography and archival documents, showed us another facet of Chambord.
The museum and the royal carriages of the Comte de Chambord
Henri de Bourbon, better known as the Count of Chambord, owned the estate in the 19th century. He invested most of his fortune in beautifying and preserving the château, even while in exile. Several rooms on the tour are dedicated to him. First, on the first floor, we discover the carriage room. We admired the superb horse-drawn vehicles inside (sedans, coupes, horse-drawn carriages). Their perfect state of preservation surprised us, even if it's due to the fact that they've never been used. In fact, they were to be used for the Count de Chambord's hypothetical entry into Paris as king, but he was an unfortunate pretender to the throne!
The history of this prince is better explained on the 1st floor, in the museum dedicated to him. Before that, don't miss the lapidary deposit next to the carriage room. We observed with great interest the building's ancient decorations, such as fragments of its original lantern tower.
The Count de Chambord Museum is made up of 7 rooms retracing the history of this prince through a hundred or so objects that once belonged to him. The one that caught our eye the most was his throne, symbolizing his eligibility for power. Don't forget to take a look at the caricatures of the period, which clearly show the political instability of the time and the rejection of the monarchy.
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Discovering the gardens of Chambord
French gardens
After our intensive tour of the château, we moved on to the gardens. Commissioned by Louis XIV, their design was installed in 1734. They occupy 6.5 hectares at the foot of the château. From the terraces, we were able to spot a 4.5 km long axis running through them. Resembling an arrow, it actually indicates the position of the double-revolution staircase!
These gardens, so beautiful today, fell into disuse and were transformed into simple grassy parterres in 1970. It wasn't until 2015 that a project to authentically restore the gardens was launched. Thanks to 16 years of documentary research and landscape and architectural studies, we believe that the château has regained its majestic gardens!
The English garden
After the rigor and geometry of the French gardens, we were pleasantly surprised by the free-form groves and tall, isolated trees of the English garden. With its meadows, undergrowth and hedges, it follows in the tradition of the English gardens of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Its 80 species serve as a transition between the formal gardens, the château and the village. It comprises 2 main walkways leading to Place Saint-Louis. First imagined in 1880, it owes its current appearance to a re-creation carried out in 2014.
The stables, vineyard and vegetable gardens
Don't leave the estate without enjoying the park! As far as we were concerned, we started by visiting the stables. Louis XIV wanted to build a large and a small stable, but it wasn't until 1686 that the small stable, on the eastern side, was built on a single level. Marshal de Saxe completed the building by raising it one level to accommodate the military, while the stables occupied the first floor. These are still visible today, housing horses used for equestrian shows. To find out more, visit the official website here.
After our visit to the stables, we discovered the vegetable gardens, created in 2019. Based in the château's former stables, they continue to cultivate market gardens, drawing on 19th-century farming practices and local Sologne techniques, as well as permaculture. Their goal? Promote short distribution channels and organic produce, by selling the products grown there in the estate store. We've tasted their tomatoes and can't recommend them highly enough!
The estate also boasts vineyards. The first harvests of the new organic vineyard took place in 2018, but vines were already present on Chambord's land in medieval times! Today, Sauvignon, Romorantin, Gamay, Pinot Noir and Orbois are harvested at Chambord. We recommend stopping by the Maisons des Vins on Place Saint-Louis for a tasting!
Activities at the Chambord estate
Walks and hikes
With over 5,000 hectares, the Chambord forest is ideal for hiking! In fact, the GR3 passes through the estate. There are also hiking trails of 3, 7 and 8km, starting from the castle and exploring the northern part of the forest. We opted for an easier and quicker walk, around the canal (4km). You can also choose the Grande Promenade, which takes you around the estate. If you come to the château between mid-September and mid-October, you may be lucky enough to hear the stag bellow! For a map of the hiking trails, visit the official website here.
If you want to take a walk off the beaten track, you can download an app that lets you play a treasure hunt in the woods! To find out more about this connected nature rally, click here.
Finally, you can discover the part of the reserve closed to the public, thanks to a guided tour in an all-terrain vehicle with a nature guide. For more information, visit the official website here.
Chambord by bike
Would you like to visit the estate by bike? That's a great idea. The estate boasts 15km of cycle paths. If you don't have your own, you can rent bikes (children, adults and rosalies) from 1 to 4 hours. For rates and conditions, visit the official website here.
For the more sporty among you, Chambord Park is crossed by "La Loire à Vélo" for around 6 km, as well as by three "Châteaux à vélo" loops. Les Châteaux à Vélo" is a network of 500 km of itineraries divided into 15 loops ranging from 10 to 43 km. They allow you to discover the picturesque villages of the region and the châteaux of the Loire. To download a map of these routes, click here. The "Loire à Vélo" is a 900km long cycle tourism route linking Cuffy (near Nevers) to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (Loire-Atlantique). To find out more, visit the official website here.
Finally, you can opt for a guided bike tour of the park with a nature guide. It takes you into a part of the forest usually closed to the public. For more information, visit the official website here.
Chambord on the water
Don't fancy renting a bike, rosalie or even an electric cart? Why not visit the Chambord estate from the canal in a different way? You can rent rowing boats or electric boats for 30 minutes. 1 to 5 people can embark. To do so, go to the pier, open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Sleeping at Chambord
Are you tired from your visit and your walks? You can sleep on the estate and nearby with these accommodations:
- Hôtel-Restaurant Le Relais de Chambord: located 50m from the château, this 4-star establishment boasts 55 rooms and suites, 15 of which boast superb views of the Renaissance jewel. See prices, availability and book now!
- Gîte Art&Mie: 3km from the château and at the entrance to the estate, this vacation home has one bedroom and a small, pleasant terrace. See prices, availability and book now!
- Gîte Maslives: less than 4km from the Château de Chambord, this gîte is ideal for families, with parking, a large terrace and 2 bedrooms. See prices, availability and book now!
- Villa Mouettes de Loire: this vast 5-bedroom villa, 5km from the Château de Chambord, offers you a pleasant moment of relaxation with its heated swimming pool and billiards table. See prices, availability and book now!
DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN the Loire Valley
- The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
- The most beautiful gardens
- Where to stay in the Loire castles: unforgettable hotels!
- The best Loire castles to visit with your family
- Chambord or Chenonceau: our comparison
- itineraries: weekend - 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
- Castles around Blois, around Amboise, around Saumur, around Tours, around Angers and around Nantes.
- or our list of over 100 Loire castles
Frequently asked questions
Why was the castle built?
The château was built as a symbol of the power and glory of François I, who returned victorious from the battle of Marignan.
Can you eat at Château de Chambord?
Absolutely! You can eat on the estate, near the château or in the village square. In addition to picnic areas, you'll find a large number of restaurants. See our "Catering" section to find out more!
Are there any special events in the area?
Yes! Special events (contemporary art exhibitions, equestrian and bird-of-prey shows, etc.) are organized throughout the year. Highlights of the estate's cultural season include the annual Chambord live festival and the Chambord festival, featuring music, and the Writers at Chambord cycle. At Christmas, the château is decorated, and several events and shows take place during the Christmas Festival. For more information, visit the official website here.
How many rooms are there at Château de Chambord?
Château de Chambord has 426 rooms. These include 70 rooms open to the public, and two secret rooms that are not accessible to the public. These are the Cabinet en trompe-l'oeil, with its painted decor depicting a study, and the Eschansonnerie de son Altesse Royale Madame. The walls of this room, which would have been used for storage, are covered with drawings made in the 17th century.
How many chimneys are there?
You may read that the castle has 365 chimneys, corresponding to the number of days in the year. Although it's a legend, the castle actually has 282 chimneys!
How large is the estate?
The estate is the largest enclosed forest in France, covering an area of 5,433 hectares.
What other tourist attractions are nearby?
Many other tourist attractions are within easy reach of Château de Chambord, which enjoys a privileged location in the Loire Valley. Take the opportunity to visit other must-see castles in the region, such as Château Royal d'Amboise and Château de Chenonceau!
Chambord or Chenonceau?
Chambord is more impressive and Chenonceau more romantic.
See our detailed comparison.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
SHE MADE THE TRIP
Claire
