tour chateau de chambord

Chateau de Chambord visitor guide

Visit Chateau de Chambord, France

Chateau de Chambord is the largest of the Loire Chateau, and also the most visited. The chateau is situated in the eastern part of the Loire Valley, a short distance east of Blois.

Explore the Chateau de Chambord

France This Way review: despite the great size of Chambord castle it is quite easy to visit and you can explore the major highlights and gardens in less than two hours...or spend a lot longer here if you prefer! It is a very impressive castle, expecially the main staircase and the roof terraces, and should be on your list of 'chateaux that must be visited' when you are exploring the Loire Valley.

Originally built as a 'hunting lodge' for King Francois I - his 'main' royal palaces can be seen at the Château d'Amboise and the Château de Blois - Chambord is a magnificent sight both when viewed from outside and when enjoying a tour of the opulent interiors. The castle was designed and built to excel, and it does that grandly: even the Loire River is said to have been diverted to make a bit more space for its construction!

History and architecture of Chateau Chambord

Chateau Chambord was built in the first half of the 16th century, in what is known as the 'French renaissance' style. It has a central structure, with large towers on each corner and a mulitude of smaller towers and structures, which itself forms part of a larger structure - a second square that incorporates the main chateau, two further substantial corner towers, and a large enclosed courtyard.

This layout suggests that the castle follows a medieval defensive structure - which it does broadly - but Chambord never played, or was intended to play, any kind of defensive role.

The castle at Chambord was built as a hunting lodge, although after spending more than two decades having the castle built, Francois I himself only actually spent seven weeks in the castle, when he was hunting in the region. A King's hunting party consisted of around 2000 people, making the logistics of a visit very complicated. Since the castle was more or less unused, it also remained unfurnished and of course unheated at that time.

The roofline of chateau de Chambord has numerous turrets that give it its distinctive 'skyline': these are the tops of the staircases and chimneys inside the chateau. The central round tower is the cupola for the immense double helix staircase, the design of which is sometimes attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, and is very impressive. Apparently Francois I required a roof that reminded him of Constantinople!

After the death of Francois I in 1547 the castle remained in a state of abandon for almost 100 years, at which point Gaston d'Orleans was given the castle by his brother, King Louis XIII. He started major renovation works, which were subsequently carried on by King Louis XIV who also had the immense stables built, sufficient to house the several hundred horses that were needed for a royal hunting trip.

Despite all this work and expense, Louis XIV (the Sun King) also abandoned the castle after a few years, from 1685.

Chambord castle had a couple more periods of occupation over the following century, both relatively brief, and by 1750 it was once again in a state of abandon. While the revolution spared the structure it did result in the furnishings that had been added during the renovation works to be sold, and the castle remained empty until the early 19th century.

A French miltary leader was then given the property by Napoleon - he died soon after and his widow sold the castle to the Duke of Bordeaux, who soon after got exiled from France. Another forty years on and Chambord was pressed into service as a hospital during the 1871 Franco-Prussian war. Yet again the decades that followed led to the castle changing hands on occasion, and being occupied for some periods.

In the middle of the 20th century the castle passed into government ownership and was subsequently renovated: when you visit and see the extraordinary size and grandeur of the structure it is remarkable to remember that Chateau de Chambord has stood empty for the large majority of the last 550 years.

In recent decades a great deal of work has been carried out on the castle, now under the control of the French State, and it is now a major tourist attraction in the region. Apart from the splendours of the building itself you can also admire a fine collection of furnishings, works of art and tapestries, and a small interesting collection of horse-drawn carriages.

Visit Chateau Chambord

As you approach the Chateau de Chambord you will quickly appreciate the extraordinary amount of detail in every aspect of the building. The castle's French Renaissance architectural style combines traditional medieval defensive structures with classical Italian aspects: it dates from the time when chateaux in the Loire no longer needed to have medieval defenses, but elements such as towers and moats were retained for their aesthetic beauty.

The design is attributed to various architects and influences during the 25 years it took to build in the first half of the 16th century, including the input of Leonardo da Vinci, when he was a guest of the King staying nearby (at the Chateau de Clos Lucé ).

The main body of the castle is roughly square in shape, with a large tower in each corner. There are also two symmetrical wings to the castle, each ending with a substantial tower. There are more than 400 rooms in the Chateau de Chambord and almost as many fireplaces, as well as 84 staircases.

The central staircase is one of the architectural highlights of a visit: this stone staircase rises the height of Chambord castle, and is of a 'double helix' form - this means that two 'independent' staircases are wound around each other, such that people going up the stairs will not meet those coming down.

Also on the ground floor you can see several of the grand rooms of the castle such as the hunting room and the room of the Bourbons as well as the 18th century kitchens and the collection of traditional horse-drawn carriages. On the first floor it is the beautifully furnished bedrooms that are the main attraction as well as a small chapel and oratory.

The second floor includes the incredible vaulted ceilings that incorporate the symbols of King Francois 1 as well as several exhibition rooms dedicated to hunting. From this floor you can access another architectural highlight, the ornate roof that makes Chateau de Chambord so recognisable.

At a glance the roof is symmetrical but look closer and you will see that is not the case - among the numerous towers, light wells and decorative features there are many variations from left to right.

When you reach this top level of the castle you can walk between the towers (the square towers are the tops of chimneys and the round towers are the tops of staircases) which at times is rather like walking through streets in a historic town, and admire the enormous attention to detail in the masonry work as well as lovely views across the gardens.

Apart from the building itself you can also enjoy exploring the formal gardens around the edges of Chateau de Chambord as well as the very extensive parkland.

Practical information for visitors

You will perhaps be pleased to know you can visit as you wish - there is no need to listen to a guide explaining each of the rooms. However be sure to pick up the explanatory leaflet or ask for details of the phone or tablet application that helps make a visit more interesting so that you have some feel for the history of the more important rooms and architectural highlights at Chambord.

Entry to the castle costs around 13 euros, which is very reasonable for a chateau of this size and with so much to see. Unlike other castles in the Loire valley you will also need to pay a few euros for parking your car.

The castle is open all year except January 1 and December 25, 9:00 - 17:00 in winter and 9:00 - 18:00 from April to October.

Inside the entrance to the castle there are several small cafes and restaurants.

Attractions nearby

Of course Chambord is just one of the highlights of your tour of the Loire Valley castles . Other important castles close to here include the Château de Chaumont and the Château de Cheverny , both to the west of Chateau de Chambord.

You will certainly also want to visit the historic town of Blois , one of our favourite towns in the Loire valley, and also dominated by a chateau...

See more castles in France . You can find more travel ideas in the Loir-et-Cher guide and the Loire Valley guide .

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Map of chateau de chambord and places nearby, visit near chateau de chambord with france this way reviews.

Chateau de Cheverny

Cheverny Castle is perhaps the most opulently furnished of the Loire castles, and also has very lovely gardens

Chateau de Blois

One of the most impressive of the Loire castles, the Chateau de Blois is best known for its double helix renaissance staircase

The town of Blois, with its castle, cathedral, extensive historic centre and other monuments is one of our favourite Loire Valleyt towns

A small town on the banks of the Loire River, Beaugency squeezes a remarkable number of interesting sights in a small space!

Meung-sur-Loire

Meung sur Loire is a pretty medieval village near Orleans.

Les Jardins de Roquelin

The Jardins de Roquelin is a pretty rose garden in the Loire Valley.

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Loir-et-Cher

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• Loire Valley Castles

Chambord: tips for visiting the castle from Paris

• Posted by Louis and Emilie
• September 24, 2023

Chambord is one of France’s most beautiful Loire Valley castles to visit! Here are our tips for visiting the Chambord from Paris: what to see, where to eat, how long it takes to visit the Chambord, and where to stay. In this blog post, we will answer all these questions:

• Guided tours from Paris ✨
• Chambord: tickets, timetables, parking 🎟
• What fun things to do there? 🤩
• How long does it take to visit? 🕘
• Where to stay near Chambord? 🛌
• Nice places where to eat 🍽
• Visiting the Loire Valley Castles 🏰

1. Guided tour for visiting Chambord from Paris

One of the easiest ways to visit Chambord from Paris is to book a guided tour. Find just right below some examples of those tours and what they include.

• Visiting the emblematic Loire Valley Castles (Chambord+Chenonceau) + the city of Blois : a 12-hour guided tour on English from Paris, including the transport
• Visiting 2 beautiful Loire Valley Castles (Chambord+Chenonceau+Amboise) : also a 12-hour tour from Paris, but without visiting Blois

2. Chambord: prices, tickets, timetables, parking

Car parking. There are 3 car parks: P0, P1, and P2. Car parking for the day costs 6 euros, but only 4 euros at P2. You can pay for parking at the automatic machines to save time at the exit. The P2 is further away (+150m) but is less busy.

Schedule. You can visit the Château de Chambord every day of the year (from 9 a.m.) except on January 1, November 30, and December 25.

Park . The park of the Chambord Castle is freely accessible. When we talk about visiting the Chambord, we are talking more about the interior of the castle and its gardens.

Chambord castle + gardens. The entrance fee to the Château de Chambord is 14.5 euros. Save time (especially in summer) with skip-the-line tickets. Pick up your entry tickets at the counters directly with a printed coupon, or show them on your phone. The interior of the Chambord Castle is less charming than, for example, Chenonceau. On the other hand, the Château de Chambord impresses with its size, and the views from the high floors of the castle are impressive!

Reduced price and free. The reduced rate for Chambord is 12 euros. For those under 25 years old on presentation of proof. Learn more here .

All information for visiting the Chambord is also on the official website of the Chambord Castle .

3. Fun things to do in Chambord

In addition to simply visiting the Chambord Castle inside, you can also take advantage of it for more with other activities.

• Discovering Chambord by bike
• Electric car tour
• Picnic: picnics on the lawn in front of the Chambord Castle are allowed!
• In addition, the Chambord offers a day pass that includes these activities: bicycle, boat, and electric car.

4. How long does it take to visit Chambord Castle?

The visit to the  Château de Chambord  will take you at least 3 hours . The estate is large, and the castle is too.

Moreover, the closest car park to the Château de Chambord is 600m from the castle. In short, you will walk a lot! 🙂

How long to visit Chambord Castle? With the walking time and the visits, it will take at least 3 hours. Plan more if you want to have lunch or add activities.

5. Where to stay when visiting Chambord?

Blois is a great city to stay to visit Chambord Castle. Indeed, Blois is located 25 minutes by car from the castle. It is a pleasant little town that immerses us in a medieval atmosphere. An ideal place to stay near the Château de Chambord and dine.

In Blois , close and therefore convenient for visiting the Château de Chambord:

• The Forge of the Roy . Great location. Rooms with a “royal” decor, like in a castle. Correct rates: less than 100 euros for a double room with breakfast.
• The “Ibis” classical hotel chain in Blois. One is in the center and rather well located, Ibis Blois Center Château , and the second, Ibis budget , is further away.

In the surroundings / bed and breakfast:

• Les Salamandres , bed and breakfast near the Château de Chambord , 10 minutes by car (bicycles available free of charge).
• The Sheepfold in Suèvres

6. Where to eat when visiting Chambord Castle?

During the Château de Chambord visit, you can plan a picnic on the castle’s lawn. In the evening you can go to Blois. These are the best options.

On the territory of Chambord Castle, there are several restaurants. There is also a café at the foot of the castle, Autour du Puits , open from April to October.

7. Visiting the Loire Valley Castles in 2 or 3 days

We wrote a dedicated blog post that presents an itinerary you can do to visit the Loire Valley Castles, including the visit of Chambord:

• Visit the Loire Valley Castles in 2 or 3 days

We wish you a pleasant visit to Chambord Castle and other Loire Valley castles!

Louis and Emilie

We once heard visitors in Paris saying that the French are not the most welcoming people. It made us sad. That's why we started this blog! So you can get the best information for your travel to France! Of course, we love Paris. We have lived in multiple areas, from Canal St Martin to right next to the Eiffel Tower. We also explore regions of France whenever we can. Our favorites for a weekend away from Paris are Etretat and Mont Saint Michel. The beautiful French Riviera is a marvelous place to explore for a week.

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Guide To Chateau Chambord in France’s Loire Valley, Influenced By Leonardo da Vinci

Here’s my guide to visiting the Chateau de Chambord in France’s Loire Valley . In this guide, I give you a history of Chateau Chambord, examine the possible influence of Leonardo da Vinci, and tell you everything to see at this fascinating Renaissance chateau-palace.

The Chateau de Chambord is the big daddy of Loire Valley chateaus. It’s the largest, grandest, and most visited chateau.

>>> Click here to book a skip the line ticket

And it was likely inspired by one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci. In 1516, at the urging of King Francis I, Leonardo relocated to France as a court artist.

Building started on this ambitious over-the-top Renaissance chateau in 1519. The palatial sized castle has over 400 rooms. The French novelist Victor Hugo described it was “admirably bizarre.”

Chateau Chambord was commissioned by King Francis I. The king boldly (albeit slowly) transformed a lowly hunting lodge into an ostentatious monument to royalty and royal sport.

A Short History Of Chateau Chambord

Chambord is the creation and plaything of Francis I, a megalomaniac Renaissance king of France. Francis knocked down the small preexisting structure and commenced building his own super-castle.

Francis I is often compared to his English contemporary, Henry VIII . Both kings had big personalities, torrid love affairs, and notorious scandals that rocked Europe. Francis was known to hold the first Renaissance court in France.

Francis claimed Chambord was just a weekend getaway for hunting purposes. But its majesty and sheer scale belied this claim. It was to show off and flex his power.

Portrait of Francis I in Paris’ Louvre Museum

From the outset, Chambord’s construction was fraught with controversy. Expenses snowballed. There were design snafus. Architects flew the coup. Wars intervened.

Francis’ funds ran short. He stole money from the church to carry on with his vanity project. So vast was the castle that Francis’ sister complained that she got lost within its walls.

Francis only spent a couple of months of his 30 year tenure as king at Chambord. It was a bit drafty for his taste, despite the many fireplaces. When construction dragged on, the albatross chateau became something of an embarrassment. It was never fully completed.

Of course, the chateau was never meant to be permanently inhabited. The royal court was itinerant and changed residences from season to season. Royal furnishings were temporary and portable. Francis traveled with up to 2,000 people. Imagine the horrifying logistics …

Francis died before his chateau dream was realized. Some say he died of syphilis. Other historians claim it was a urinary infection. His ineffectual son, Henry II, never did much with the chateau. Though he did build the Chapel Tower.

But the Sun King, Louis XIV, loved Chambord. Louis restored the keep and furnished the royal apartments. He also ordered the planting of formal French gardens in front of Chambord’s grand facade. But then, well, Versailles took all his attention.

During the French Revolution in the late 1700s, Chambord was sacked. Much of the splendid furniture was sold or looted. Hence, when you visit today, the rooms are largely devoid of furniture. As they were for most of Chambord’s life.

The chateau exchanged hands many time. In 1932, the French state acquired it and began renovations.

During WWII, Chambord was used to hide priceless artworks from the Louvre from the Nazis. This included Leonardo’s Mona Lisa , which he had brought with him from Italy . Chambord became a UNESCO site in 1981.

a possible self portrait by Leonardo in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery

Chambord’s Connection To Leonardo Da Vinci

Fans of Leonardo know that the artist lived in the Loire Valley the last few years of his rather long life. In 1516, Francis lured the famous Renaissance polymath away from Rome with promises of an easy life at court.

Leonardo’ official title was “first painter, architect, and engineer.” Francis wanted him to be “free to dream, think and work” without the demands of commissions that had burdened him in Italy.

Known for abandoning commissions, Leonardo was delighted at the prospect of free rein, a free villa, and a lucrative pension in exchange for his ideas and dreams.

READ : All the Paintings of Leonard da Vinci

There’s no definitive link in the historic records between Leonardo and Chambord. And Leonardo died in 1519 before actual construction began. But Leonardo sketches match up with certain architectural elements at Chambord.

Specifically, Leonardo’s Codex Atlanticus (in the Ambrosiana Museum in Milan ) features images of twisting staircases, helical (spiral shaped) towers, and complex plumbing — elements that are found at Chambord.

Ingres’ Death of Leonardo in Paris’ Petit Palais

The chateau’s central architectural footprint, the double helix staircase, and the double pit evacuation system resemble Leonardo’s sketches. They have a mathematical elegance typical of Leonardo’s ideas (and not typical of French architects at the time).

If you want to see some real life Leonardo creations in France, head to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa , or to Chateau du Clos Luce, Leonardo’s official residence in Amboise.

READ : Best Itinerary for the Loire Valley

When Leonardo died, his heirs sold some of his paintings to Francis. That’s why the Louvre has the largest collection of Leonardo paintings in the world.

Legend holds that Francis held Leonardo’s head in his hands when he passed away. This supposed tender moment was captured in Ingres’ Death of Leonardo . Historians say otherwise, with proof that Francis was elsewhere.

aerial view of the layout of Chateau Chambord

What To See at Chateau Chambord

Here’s what you need to see at this UNESCO chateau. You may want to book a 2 hour guided tour .

1. Architecture

Who was the architect.

The architecture is the main reason to visit Chambord. Chambord is a vision of harmony and the classical principles of mathematics and geometry. It’s a heady mixture of French medieval and Italian Renaissance architecture.

But who was the architect? Whoever originally imagined the defining features of Chambord remains a mystery. No architectural plans have survived.

Many famous architects of the day are associated with Chambord, especially Italian architect Domenico da Cortona. However, Cortona’s wooden model didn’t contain a design for a spiral staircase. Perhaps the most likely scenario is that various architects collaborated with Leonardo and worked off his drawings.

Francis imagined Chambord as a Renaissance marvel with Italian influences. On the facade, you see this.

Arched pillars are superimposed on the front, giving it a harmonious symmetry. Double banded friezes separate the three floors. At the top, black slate tiles give Chambord a flamboyant Italian harlequin type design.

While the facade is pure Renaissance, the chateau still has medieval indicia — the one story curtain wall, moat, and corner towers that are part of the front wall and larger compound. The chateau was never intended for defense, so these elements are purely decorative.

Grid Layout

The chateau has a well-ordered grid style lay out. There’s as a quadrangular keep in the center. The keep is crossed by four courtyards with ornate towers at each corner.

The footprint is a Greek cross (a cross with equal arms). The Greek cross was found in many Italian churches , including St. Peter’s Basilica . But it wasn’t present in French civic architecture of the time. At the center of the cross is the double helix staircase.

On each of its four stories, the stairs open onto four Greek cross landings with arched ceilings. Each landing has a complete apartment, a significant break with the tradition of Middle Ages that arranged bedrooms along corridors.

The chateau’s sculpted decoration was crafted from white tuffeau stone, a local limestone that’s soft for carving but hardens as it ages.

bedroom of Louis XIV

3. Interior

There are four floors, all with high ceilings: (1) ground floor reception rooms (with 18th century kitchens); (2) first floor royal apartments; (3) second floor hunting museum; and (4) the rooftop terraces. The double helix staircase is accessed on the ground floor.

The castle has 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 85 staircases. There are 32 identical 5 room apartments. 80 rooms are open to the public. (How could you visit more?). The rooms have 20 foot high ceilings.

There are 4,500 works of art, tapestries, paintings and furnishings. One almost loses count.

You’ll see Francis’ signature, the crowned salamander, everywhere. Almost 800 of them. Salamanders were considered rather magical in the medieval era.

Francis’ motto was “I eat the good fire, I put out the bad.” The motto refers to the popular belief that salamanders, like phoenix, could live on both land and water and resist flames.

vaulted ceiling on the second floor

Vaulted ceilings are decorated with a plethora of royal insignia — salamanders, porcupines, dolphins, and other symbols.

The coffers (square sunken panels) on the vault on the second floor are amazing. The coffered vault helps support the flat roof connecting the four sides of the keep.

The first floor is probably the most interesting for visitors, with some period furniture loaned back to Chambord from the French national collection. In the king’s wing, you’ll find portraits of Louis XIV and Francis. Louis XI’s bedroom is lavish, with an incredible Gobelin tapestries.

In the queen’s wing, you’ll see the blue bedroom of the queen. The king’s and queen’s apartments were conveniently connected by secret passageways for nighttime trysts.

the double helix staircase, possibly inspired by Leonardo

4. Double Helix Staircase

The highlight is Chambord’s beguiling and mind boggling double helix staircase. It’s an architectural monument in and of itself. And, unlike most grand staircases, it was in the center of the hall.

The staircase is the first thing you see when you walk in. It’s the centerpiece of the chateau.

You can’t help but think of Leonardo, with his scores of doodles and architectural sketches in his notebooks. Leonardo had a penchant for elaborate staircases with separate entrances.

At first, the grand staircase appears like a single staircase. But it’s not. In two great interlocking spirals, the staircase whisks visitors from the ground floor to the rooftop and Lantern Tower.

Two helical ramps twist like a strand of DNA around a hollow core. The column of open air is topped by an elaborate spire.

The twin staircases intertwine and ascend without actually touching. You can see people moving up and down, but don’t actually encounter them.

You’ll want to walk up and down several times.

rooftop terrace, seen from the central”donjon”

5. Rooftop “Crown”and Viewing Terrace

You ascend to a magnificent lookout terrace along the roof. This will likely be the highlight of your visit.

Chambord’s roof is its crowning glory. It’s a marvel of fantasy, a prickly silhouette. There are chimneys, cupolas, bell towers, dormers, turrets, and steeples.

You can inspect the exuberant pincushion roof close up. It’s like a mini city or city skyline, which some experts think is another illusion to Leonardo. Leonardo theorized that, to lessen the effect of overpopulation, cities should have “high streets” where the rich and famous could walk above the common man.

The terrace was where the ladies of the court once viewed the hunting activities. It offers breathtaking views over the chateau gardens and valley.

The tallest tower is the Lantern Tower. This was lit with a torch when the king was in residence. It’s 100 feet tall with supporting flying buttresses.

6. Formal French Gardens and Park

Since the French Revolution, the Chambord gardens had been abandoned and neglected. The gardens were recently restored in 2017. They added hundreds of trees and plants. The lawns were replanted as well.

This blitz of gardening followed 16 years of study to restore the gardens as they would have appeared during Louis XIV’s reign. They are the definition of magnificent, both in petal and leaf.

Chambord is also surrounded by Europe’s largest enclosed forest park, a lush game preserve teeming with wild animals. You can hike and bike through the park. Or take a horse drawn carriage.

the Lantern Tower

Tips For Visiting Chateau Chambord

1. how to get to chambord.

If you’re coming from Paris, its a 110 mile drive. It will take approximately 2-2.5 hours to get there. You can also take the train from the Austerlitz Train Station to Blois-Chambord (about 1:20 in length). From April to October, you catch the Chateau Shuttle for a 25 minute ride to Chambord.

If you’re driving, Chambord is the only chateau in the Loire Valley where you have to pay for parking.

You can also visit the chateau on a guided day tour from Paris or a full day tour that includes wine tasting .

2. Where To Stay Near Chambord

The best option is the Hotel Relais de Chambord . The Relais is a boutique hotel in a converted inn. Some of the rooms have chateau views.

3. Practical Information

Address : 41250 Chambord France

Hours : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, closes at 5:00 pm off season. Last entry is one hour before closing.

Entry fee : 16 €, parking 6 €, histopad 5 €

4. Pro Tips

There’s a 20 minute film that gives you an overview of the architecture of the chateau on the ground floor. There are plenty of English language panels explaining what you see.

The histopad will magically show you, via augmented reality, how rooms would have looked during Francis’ time. If you’re hungry, you can dine onsite at the Café d’Orléans.

There are several guided tours, 1 or 2 hours, several times a day. The one hour English tour is at 11:15 am.

I have you’ve enjoyed my guide to Chateau Chambord. You may enjoy these other France travel guides and resources:

• Famous landmarks in France
• Hidden gem towns in France
• 10 day itinerary for southern France
• Hidden gems in Provence
• 5 day itinerary for Paris
• Hidden gems in Paris
• 30+ beautiful towns in northern France
• Beautiful villages of Brittany

If you’d like to visit Chateau de Chambord in France’s Loire Valley, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

A Peek Inside Château de Chambord, Loire Valley

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Visit Château de Chambord

Château de Chambord is arguably one of the most famous Loire Valley Castles and one of the most beautiful castles in France to explore. It is located in the Loire Valley – near the city of Blois – in the French region of Centre-Val-de-Loire . Château de Chambord is relatively easy to visit on a day trip from Paris , or you can combine the visit to this château with other interesting sites nearby on a road trip.

How to get to Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley, where to park, how much it costs to enter, and all other useful information can be found in this article.

Best Ways to Visit Château de Chambord from Paris

Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, is of the best castles near Paris , located 175 km south of the French capital. There are three ways to get to Château de Chambord on a day trip from Paris, make it on your own by car, guided tour, or train + bus.

By Train + Bus

Château de Chambord is one of the most beautiful day trips from Paris by train . Trains to Blois leave from Gare d’Austerlitz 3-4 times a day. Count it on taking 1hr 30 min from Paris to Blois by regional train (TER).

In Blois train station, there’s a bus to Chambord (#118 or #02) that goes to Chambord 2 times a day (35 min). From Chambord, it’s a beautiful 13 min walk to the château.

You can buy your tickets for the bus on board, but be sure to buy your train tickets online in advance.

Click here to buy your train tickets to Blois

By Guided Tour

This is by far the best option to visit Château de Chambord on a day trip from Paris if you don’t have a car. Sit on the van and enjoy the landscape without having to worry about directions, transfers, or train connections.

There are many Loire Valley tours of all sizes, and they all include Château de Chambord plus one or two more châteaux. Some tours only offer transportation and entrance tickets to the castles whilst other tours also come with lunch and wine tastings.

One really good Loire Valley day tour – consistently rated 5/5 – is this  small-group tour by minibus and with English speaking guide  that covers  Château de Chenonceau ,  Château d’Amboise , and  Château de Chambord  with a  wine tasting  in Amboise. You cannot do better than this on your own by public transportation.

Click here to book this Loire Valley small-group tour

The drive from south of Paris to Château de Chambord takes 1hr 50min via the A10 highway. The worst part of the drive is to leave Paris: once you have left the boulevard Périphérique, half of the job is done!

On-site, there are two car parks with different prices depending on the proximity to the castle. Car park P0 is located 600m from the castle, and it costs 6€/day. Car park P2 is located a little bit further, and it costs 4€/day.

Explore Château de Chambord (and Other Sites) on a Loire Valley Trip

The  Loire Valley  in  Central France  is a fantastic area to explore by car. Visit Château de Chambord and other beautiful sites nearby while enjoying good food, wine, and a slower pace of life.

This 5-day Loire Valley Road Trip is one of the most beautiful road trips in France . Drive from Paris to Orléans and then follow this beautiful road trip itinerary to get the most out of the Loire Valley.

Click here to rent your car in France

La Loire à Vélo  is one of the most famous bike routes in France. This unique 800km cycle route along the Loire River explores the Loire Valley Castles – Château de Chambord included – historic towns and villages.

Well connected by trains that accept bicycles, it is possible to join and leave the cycle route at any point.

Château de Châmbord Tickets and Opening Hours

To avoid overcrowding, the château has reduced the number of daily visitors. Today, it is strongly recommended to buy tickets online and in advance.

The full rate to visit the park is 14.5€, while visitors under 18€ old and EU residents aged 18-25 can visit the castle for free.

Click here to buy your tickets to Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord is open every day from 9.00 am to 5 pm (low season) or 6 pm (high season). The visit to the Château de Chambord inside lasts around one hour. The château is closed on 1st January, 30 November, and 25th December.

Château de Chambord History

The Château de Chambord is one of the most impressive castles in France. King François I commissioned this Renaissance-style château to be used as a hunting lodge, a place far from the court’s hustle and bustle to relax, hunt, and have fun with his friends.

The construction started in 1519, and it involved the best French and Italian architects and masons of their time. For the King, this château was a demonstration of his political and cultural power in Europe. Everything in this château has to be bigger and more impressive than the rest of the châteaux.

King François I visited the château only a few times, between 1539 and 1545. During his last stay in 1545, the keep enclosure and royal wing were completed.

François I died in 1547. His successors continued the construction works, and they visited the château occasionally.

In 1930 the French State purchased the monument. Between 1939 and 1945, the château hosted thousands of artworks from the Louvre and other French museums to protect them from the Nazis.

In 1981, Château de Chambord was listed as UNESCO World Heritage. It is also listed as a Historical Monument in France and National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve.

Inside Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord is an awe-inspiring Renaissance construction. The castle is square in shape, flanked by 4 circular towers. The castle’s beating heart is a central square keep also flanked by 4 circular towers.

Château de Chambord has a ground floor and a first floor. The second floor consists of different terraces with panoramic views.

The most interesting rooms and halls to visit are located in the keep. We recommend starting your visit with the 20-minute audiovisual located on the ground floor, in the first room on your left.

Here’s a peek at our favorite places inside Château de Chambord.

Château de Chambord Interior

Unlike the Palace of Versailles , where all the rooms and halls are magnificent, Château de Chambord’s interior did not impress us. The château has different furnished 17th-century and 18th-century apartments that recall various sojourns of the latest tenants in Chambord.

On the first floor, there are the royal lodgings used by King François I during his last stay in Chambord. There’s also the reconstruction of a small theatre where Molière performed two of his most famous comedies for King Louis XIV and his court.

In the keep, on the first floor, the four rooms surrounding the central staircase are covered by vaulted ceilings decorated with crowned salamanders and the letter ‘F.’ These two symbols were used to glorify Chambord’s first owner, King François I.

Château de Chambord’s Double-Spiral Staircase

The amazing central double-spiral staircase is the main feature inside Château de Chambord. It is said that Leonardo da Vinci was involved in the construction of Château de Chambord, and most probably, he is the author of this staircase.

Chambord’s staircase is located in the center of the keep, and it consists of two twinned flights of stairs twisting and turning, one above the other and around a hollowed central core. This staircase’s particularity is that when two persons use the two different sets of staircases simultaneously, they can see each other but never meet.

Leonardo da Vinci moved from Milan to Amboise in 1516 to work at the orders of King François I until he died in 1519. Today, it is possible to visit Clos de Lucé in Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life.

The Terraces

The terraces on the second floor are one of the best parts of the visit to Chambord. They offer awesome panoramic views of the formal gardens and the forest in the background and also the opportunity to better appreciate many details of the turrets, staircases, and chimneys.

Amongst this forest of Gothic-flamboyant-Renaissance creatures outstands the lantern tower, topped with a fleur-de-Lys royal crown.

Château de Chambord Gardens

The Château de Chambord gardens that we can see today are a reconstruction of the gardens designed by King Louis XVI and his successors.

There’s an English-style garden on the west of the château, free to visit, while the French-style garden is located in the north and east of the château, and it is only accessible to the château visitors.

To build the French-style gardens, the Cosson River was channeled, and the different trees and parterres lay on an elevated terrace.

Stroll through the alleyways and admire the different flowerbeds and manicured lawns. The view of the château from the garden is also beautiful.

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Travel Guide to Chateau de Chambord in France!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Home » Travel Guide to Chateau de Chambord in France!

The most impressive castle in the French Loire Valley, Château De Chambord, is absolutely huge, with about 400 rooms, more than 80 staircases, and 365 fireplaces.

Situated in the middle of a park that is surrounded by a forest, the castle boasts an exceptional number of towers, high ceilings, pointed domes and, graceful pinnacles, stunning riverside views.

In my opinion, this castle is definitely the best castle in the Loire Valley to visit and it also deserves a spot on the list of best castles in all of France as well. Don’t miss out on seeing this incredible castle while touring around France .

Brief History of the Chambord Castle

This French landmark was built to serve as a hunting lodge for King Francis I, who maintained his royal residences at the Château de Blois and Amboise.

The original design of the Château de Chambord is attributed to Domenico da Cortona. However, some people believe Leonardo da Vinci may also have been involved.

In the wake of the French Revolution, some of the furnishings inside were sold off and timber was removed.

For a time the building was left abandoned, though, in the 1800’s, some attempts were made at restoration.

Watch our Video of Chateau Chambord

Here is a video to show you how stunning this castle really is.  Keep watching to see footage of our other two favorite castles as well: Chaumont & Chenonceau .

Click play and  don’t forget to subscribe !

Top Things To Do at Château de Chambord

1. The architecture is famous for blending Renaissance and medieval features. Check out the Disneyesque turrets, the double-helix staircase and the murals inside.

You can easily wander by yourself, or if you prefer, you could rent an audio guide instead. Whichever way you explore, head to the top of the castle for glorious views over the gardens.

2. Surrounded by dense forests, this castle offers gorgeous riverside views of the Cosson River.

You could explore the grounds in a horse and carriage and venture into the woods, where you might see deer and other wildlife. You can also rent a boat or an electric vehicle to tour the premises.

3. On the ground floor of the castle, you can watch a 20-minute film that gives a brief overview of the castle and French royalty.

4. You can also check out the Histopad Chambord, a tablet that uses augmented reality to show how each room would have appeared in the Renaissance.

The tour takes around 90 minutes as you traverse through the various chambers and grand halls and turn back the clock virtually with technology.

5. For those of you up for fun, why not take a stunning Helicopter or Hot Air Balloon tour over the castles?

How to Get to Castle Chambord

The chateau is located off minor country roads, about half an hour away far from Blois by car.

If you’re coming from Paris, its a 180 km drive and should take you around two and a half hours to get there.

If driving there isn’t feasible, your next best option is to take a guided tour from Paris.

Most tour packages to Chambord also include within their itinerary, visits to other castles in the Loire valley, like the castles of Blois, Cheverny, and Chenonceau.

Your tour might also include complimentary lunches and wine tastings at all these places.

The most popular tour ( with over 810 positive reviews ) from Paris includes a visit to two of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful chateaux (Chenonceau Castle and Chateau de Chambord) as well as some time to enjoy tasting some wine.

It is a full day tour and lasts for a whopping 12 hours and 30 minutes. >>> Click here to see pricing and more info on this tour .

Chambord Price of Entry & Opening Hours

The château is open all year long except for the days of 1 January and 25 December. It will also be closed on 26 November 2018.

Opening hours:

1. During the peak season (from 31/03 through 28/10): 9 am – 6 pm

2. During the off- season (from 29/10 through 30/03): 9 am – 5 pm

• The last entry is ½ hour before the château closes.
• The French formal gardens close 1/2 hour before château closing.

Cost Of Entry

Chateau and French gardens access:

• Full rate: 13 euros
• Reduced rate: 11 euros
• Group of 20 or more people: 11 euros\
• Free admission: under 18 years old and long-term EU residents aged 18 to 25.

Parking Costs

• Car parking ( 200 meters from the chateau ): 6 euros per day
• Minibus parking: 11 euros per day
• Coaches: 50 euros per day

You might also like to visit Chambord’s official website to help plan your visit. As mentioned in the introduction, Chambord is our top favorite castle in all of France. 

It blew us away and I’m sure you will be equally impressed by its splendour.

Jolene Ejmont

3 thoughts on “travel guide to chateau de chambord in france”.

Hi, not related to this blog, but I tried downloading your travel planning checklist and it says the file is no longer available.

Thanks for letting me know – will look into it 🙂 Do you want me to email one across to you Junelle?

Thank you for your beautiful and detail of your blogs. My husband and I are planning our first trip to France together for the first time and i finds your blogs are so helpful. Your daughter is so cute. I really enjoy reading your blogs.

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Chambord 360 VR Experience fly over Chambord

Home » Chambord 360 VR Experience fly over Chambord

The film “Chambord 360 offers you a fabulous journey through the sky and presents Chambord from an angle previously inaccessible to the human eye: it is Leonardo da Vinci’s Leonardo da Vinci’s dream come true.

Equipped with virtual reality helmets, you will embark on a fabulous journey from Italy to Chambord: the images were shot in the skies over Rome, Milan and Florence and then flown over Chambord for a long time.

You can enjoy a twelve-minute total immersion, offering a grandiose panorama of the 5440 hectares and 282 chimneys of Chambord!

Location: Meet in the Salle des Bourbons on the first floor of the château. Entrance to the château not included. Dates: July 09 to November 2, 2024 Single admission charge: €8 (château tour not included – mandatory for Chambord 360° activity) Times: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., sessions every 30 minutes

In 2020, museums and cultural institutions were closed to the public for several months and this situation continued in part in 2021. In this context of international health crisis, Chambord has accelerated its reflection on the enrichment and digitization of its offer. Today, nearly one out of two French people has already tested virtual reality and the market for VR headsets is expanding very rapidly.

Shot during the various confinements, in conditions that may never be repeated, this film shows a Chambord at rest, without visitors or any activity, as if suspended in time. A rare opportunity that makes this experience even more exceptional, especially since the project took place before scaffolding was installed for a period of 24 months on the roofs of Chambord, as part of the restoration of the lanterns.

The film will soon be distributed outside the building, in cinemas equipped with 360-degree technology, or in institutions such as EPHAD.

Lambert Wilson plays the main character of the film while Claire Chazal lends her voice to the commentary that presents the major steps that led to today’s Chambord. Produced by Kemmel production, the film is written and directed by Arnaud Lemaire and Arnault Berthou. The company produces in fields as diverse as sports, fashion, luxury and culture and aims to develop a related activity of immersive film production for heritage and culture.

Access to the VR 360 Chambord experience is prohibited for the following persons:

– Children under 12 years old – Pregnant women – People with epilepsy – People with a heart condition – People with balance problems – People with acrophobia (vertigo) – People with psychiatric disorders

An enjoyable virtual reality experience requires an ability to move and a sense of balance.

Do not use the headset when you are tired, sleep-deprived, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, out of shape from alcohol consumption, have digestive problems, are prone to emotional or anxiety disorders, or when you suffer from colds, flu, headaches, migraines, or earaches, as these conditions may increase your susceptibility to adverse symptoms.

During the RV Experience:

Immediately discontinue use of the headset if you experience any of the following symptoms: seizures, loss of consciousness, visual fatigue, eye or muscle twitching, involuntary movements, altered, blurred or double vision or other visual abnormalities, dizziness, disorientation, imbalance, impaired hand-eye coordination, excessive sweating, increased salivation, nausea, dizziness, discomfort, headache or eye pain, drowsiness, fatigue, or any symptoms similar to motion sickness.

ALL OUR HELMETS ARE UVC TREATED AFTER EACH USE