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Schloss Chambord

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Schloss Chambord (France)

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Highlights of 2026

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Château de Chambord is the largest and most magnificent of the Loire Valley castles, built in the 16th century for King Francis I as a grand hunting lodge. Its architecture represents a unique fusion of French Renaissance forms with traditional medieval structures. A central and iconic feature is the double-helix staircase, whose design is often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, allowing two people to ascend and descend simultaneously without meeting. The castle's roofline is equally famous for its hundreds of ornate chimneys and turrets, resembling a stylized skyline of a miniature city. Surrounding the monumental building is a vast park enclosed by a 32-kilometer-long wall, making it one of the largest enclosed forest areas in Europe. Despite its enormous scale, featuring 440 rooms, Francis I spent very little time here, as the project was primarily intended to showcase his royal power and prestige. During the French Revolution, the castle was looted, but extensive restoration in the 19th and 20th centuries saved the structure. Today, the estate is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts visitors from around the globe who come to admire the opulent halls and the endless hunting grounds.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C4471114182120171384
Rain mm594854476959545040676467

Live webcam – Schloss Chambord

See what it looks like near Schloss Chambord right now.

Chambord › South-east · 0.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

📋 Practical info

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Address
Château, 41250 Chambord
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Hours
Mon-Sun 09:00-18:00
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Entry
€14.50 adults, free for under 26s (EU residents)
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Transit
Shuttle from Blois-Chambord station
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Parking
P0 and P1 parking lots near the castle, approx. €6.00/day.
Accessibility
Ground floor is accessible, upper floors reachable via elevator.
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Photos
Private photos allowed, tripods okay in outdoor areas.
Best time
Autumn mornings for the mist in the forest surrounding the castle.
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Audio guide
HistoPad (tablet) available in many languages.

Geography

Coordinates
47.61600, 1.51720

Facts

  • Construction began in the year 1519 under Francis I.
  • The castle contains a total of 440 individual rooms.
  • There are 365 chimneys, one for each day of the year.
  • The surrounding park wall is 32 kilometers in length.
  • The park covers an expansive area of 5,440 hectares.
  • The double-helix staircase was designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Schloss Chambord (4)

Chambord castle

Castle in Chambord, Centre-Val de Loire, France, famous for its Renaissance architecture.

🕒 Jan 02-07,Mar 30-Oct 27 09:00-18:00; Jan 08-Mar 29,Oct 28-De

Église Saint-Louis

Church located in Loir-et-Cher, France.

Écuries du Maréchal de Saxe🏛 museum

Former stables of the Marshal of Saxony in Chambord.

Réserve nationale de chasse et faune sauvage de Chambord

National hunting and wildlife reserve surrounding Chambord castle.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is unique about the staircase in Chambord?
The double-helix staircase was likely designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Two people can ascend and descend at the same time without ever meeting each other.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
Plan at least 3 to 4 hours to visit the castle and gardens. The estate is as large as the city center of Paris.
Is the castle open all year round?
Yes, it is open daily except January 1st and December 25th. Core opening hours are usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Is there parking available nearby?
There are several paid parking lots (P0, P1, P2) directly on-site. P0 is only 200 meters from the castle entrance.
Is picnicking allowed in the park?
Yes, there are designated picnic areas in the park. However, grilling is strictly prohibited.
Schloss Chambord: where is it located?
Schloss Chambord is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Schloss Chambord: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chambord castle, Église Saint-Louis, Écuries du Maréchal de Saxe.
Schloss Chambord: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Schloss Chambord: why is it worth visiting?
Château de Chambord is the largest and most magnificent of the Loire Valley castles, built in the 16th century for King Francis I as a grand hunting lodge.
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