Château de Chambord is one of the many beautiful castles located in and around the Loire Valley. However, it is, in many ways, the most extraordinary of them all. It boasts around 400 rooms, 80 staircases, a fireplace for every day of the year, and 30 kilometres of wall encircling grounds of about 5000 hectares. Furthermore, it is not only vast but also lovely, with a creamy stone facade topped by graceful spires and pinnacles, perfectly symmetrical and manicured lawns, and high ceilings and gilded interiors. As noted, it is but one of the many castles in this stunning part of France and one more reason to hop in a car and begin exploring the Loire. Just find a vacation rental with internet in France and being planning a trip to see it all with your own eyes.
Situated in a wooded area ten miles from Blois, the site was first home to a hunting palace built by the Counts of Blois but, when the land came into the hands of Francis I, he chose to build a luxurious mansion on the site and the Château was born.
Built with a mixture of French and Italian Renaissance styles, it is composed of a large central rectangular block that is connected to and flanked by three other buildings, to the left, right and behind the main building, leaving a large courtyard to the rear. From the top of the main building and flanking towers of the two framing buildings, there is a highly romantic cluster of chimneys and spires that display the lingering presence of Gothic inspiration in French architecture of the time. This flamboyant feature is one of the most distinctive elements of the building and what makes it remain in the mind so clearly after visiting. Walking around the roof among them is a highlight of any visit to the building.
Constructed by 1800 workers, who laboured intensely for twelve years under its initial patron and then continued under Henry II and his successors until Louis XIV, it was never completely finished, though this does not take away from its great beauty. The interior, meanwhile, displays different eras of occupation quite clearly, giving a great sense of different styles, tastes and moments in history. Walking through the rooms is a delight, as there is so much to see from the decor to furniture to the works of art on display. There are also temporary art exhibitions put on regularly in the property. The formal gardens, huge park and woods are also a delight and can be explored on foot or by bike or you can hire a boat on the canal at the foot of the château or watch horse and bird of prey shows.
A perfect place for a family day out, a romantic stroll, and an ideal spot for a history or architecture lover, it is an attraction that will delight any and everyone in the group!
Built with a mixture of French and Italian Renaissance styles, it is composed of a large central rectangular block that is connected to and flanked by three other buildings, to the left, right and behind the main building, leaving a large courtyard to the rear. From the top of the main building and flanking towers of the two framing buildings, there is a highly romantic cluster of chimneys and spires that display the lingering presence of Gothic inspiration in French architecture of the time. This flamboyant feature is one of the most distinctive elements of the building and what makes it remain in the mind so clearly after visiting. Walking around the roof among them is a highlight of any visit to the building.
Constructed by 1800 workers, who laboured intensely for twelve years under its initial patron and then continued under Henry II and his successors until Louis XIV, it was never completely finished, though this does not take away from its great beauty. The interior, meanwhile, displays different eras of occupation quite clearly, giving a great sense of different styles, tastes and moments in history. Walking through the rooms is a delight, as there is so much to see from the decor to furniture to the works of art on display. There are also temporary art exhibitions put on regularly in the property. The formal gardens, huge park and woods are also a delight and can be explored on foot or by bike or you can hire a boat on the canal at the foot of the château or watch horse and bird of prey shows.
A perfect place for a family day out, a romantic stroll, and an ideal spot for a history or architecture lover, it is an attraction that will delight any and everyone in the group!
Photo credit: Arnaud Scherer / CC BY-SA 4.0
