Castle of Chambord

The Castle of Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire Valley and one of the most recognizable chateaux in the world because of its unique architecture.

In 1519, the young King Francois the First ordered its construction.

The plan of the castle and its decorations are designed around a central axis: the famous double revolution staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, known to have accompanied the king on his return from Italy.

Chateau de Chambord: the double-spiral staircase ceiling
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The edifice was a monumental architectural work that Francois liked to show off as a symbol of his wealth and power.

Exterior view of the Chambord castle
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It was not until the reign of Louis the Fourteenth that the building was completed.

Stables were constructed outside the main structure, and French formal gardens were planted to adorn the grand facade.

In 1670, Moliere presented his famous comedy "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" at Chambord in the presence of the Sun King and his court.

In the eighteenth century, King Louis the Fifteenth improved the castle's interior to house his father-in-law Stanislas Leszczynski, king of Poland in exile.

Chateau de Chambord castle interior
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After passing through several hands in the nineteenth century, the castle and the park have been owned by the state since 1930.

During the Second World War, iconic works such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and many others were hidden in the castle to protect them from bombings or the Nazis' greed.

Chateau de Chambord is a remarkable example of French Renaissance architecture.

Chateau de Chambord at sunset
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The massive square keep, delimited by four corner towers, occupies the center of the structure.

The chateau's most remarkable feature is the spectacular double-spiral staircase.

Chateau de Chambord: the spectacular double-spiral staircase
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Placed in the very center of the keep, this ascending spiral leads from the first floor to the terraces on which the highest tower culminates.

Chateau de Chambord: the double-spiral staircase outside view
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Ever since the sixteenth century, the staircase has continued to fascinate visitors due to the dramatic staging it provides.

Chateau de Chambord: the double-spiral staircase bottom view
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When two persons use the opposed staircases at the same time, they can see each other through openings but never cross paths.

Chateau de Chambord: climbing the double-spiral staircase
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The castle was never meant to be permanently inhabited. As a result, it remained largely unfurnished.

Nevertheless, the chateau houses a substantial collection of paintings, tapestries, furniture, and art objects, allowing visitors to take a trip in time through the rooms inhabited by its former hosts.

Chateau de Chambord castle interior room with paintings and tapestries
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Chateau de Chambord interior with decorations and tapestries
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The castle cannot be separated from its natural environment; Chambord is the largest enclosed park in Europe. Its beautiful forests are home to truly exceptional plants and animals.

The French gardens, seamlessly linking the chateau and forest, further emphasize the majesty of the monument's facade.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the Castle of Chambord is an amazing Renaissance construction and one of France's most visited tourist attractions.