THE NATIONAL DOMAIN OF CHAMBORD: A RENAISSANCE GEM 

An architectural masterpiece and monumental in every way, Chambord is the largest of all the Loire Valley châteaux. Nestling in the heart of the largest enclosed forest in France, this Renaissance jewel was the realisation of the extravagant dream of the young King Francis I. Admire the well-preserved and breathtaking architecture of the royal domain, stroll amid stunning plant life in the over-5-hectare park… Discover all the facets of this gem listed as UNESCO world heritage! 

CHAMBORD: THE STORY OF A DREAM COME TRUE 

Château de Chambord
Olivier Marchant – Domaine National de Chambord

Majestic and breathtaking, there is something almost unreal about the Château of Chambord. This architectural masterpiece was built in the 16th century by the young King Francis I, who wanted a sumptuous building in which to celebrate his victory at the battle of Marignano. With its inimitable style a clever combination of medieval heritage and Renaissance aesthetics this hunting palace perfectly reflects the taste and audacity of the king who built it, although he only spent about 50 days here throughout his entire 32 years of reign, just enough to wow his guests from all over Europe! 

PREPARE YOUR VISIT TO THE CHÂTEAU OF CHAMBORD WITH PEACE OF MIND 

THE MOST INTRIGUING MUST-SEES AT THE CHÂTEAU OF CHAMBORD

French Wanderers
Une femme qui monte dans l'escalier à Chambord

Without a doubt, the double-helix staircase! This majestic staircase is undeniably the masterpiece of the Château of Chambord. It leads to the Keep and is composed of two open stairways that families can go up or down at the same time without ever meeting! Give it a try: hilarity and entertainment are guaranteed! Make sure you also visit the terraces of the château, which offer a 360° view of the edge of the park of Chambord and are home to the building’s 282 magnificent chimneys.
Next, go to the Cross Room to admire the stunning vaults of Chambord, which are decorated with the emblems of Francis I: the “F”, the salamander and the knotted rope cord.

NOT TO BE MISSED: THE MAGNIFICENT GARDENS OF CHAMBORD 

You can’t leave Chambord without visiting its gardens! Designed during the reign of Louis XIV and restored to their original layout in 2017, the spectacular French-style gardens of Chambord form a beautifully verdant backdrop to the château. Visit them at your leisure and admire no less than 600 trees, 800 shrubs, 200 rose bushes and over 15,000 different plants, as well as nearly 19,000m² of lawn! For a more bucolic walk, explore the winding alleys of the beautiful English-style garden with its soft and romantic vegetation. 
 
Lastly, the château’s park is also home to remarkable kitchen gardens created as part of a large-scale project to observe nature at close hand and pay tribute to the legacy of food production of the historic domain’s old farms. It is fruit and vegetal heaven in the heart of Chambord! 

Le château de Chambord et ses jardins
Le potager du Domaine National de Chambord

CHOOSE HOW YOU VISIT THE CHÂTEAU OF CHAMBORD 

Guided or unaccompanied tours, in-depth or fun visits… Choose how you want to explore the Château of Chambord! In-depth visits are reserved for small groups and allow you to unravel all the mysteries of the château and visit it “from top to bottom”. You will even be granted special access to certain areas that are not open to other visitors! (Booking recommended.) 
Fun children’s tours have also been created for families. Follow your guide from the past and immerse yourself in history as you embark on a journey through time! (Booking recommended.) 
If you prefer to admire the château from the outside, take a fun and interactive guided tour of the kitchen garden! 

French Wanderers
Vue sur une salle intérieure du château de Chambord

VISIT THE CHÂTEAU OF CHAMBORD IN A NEW WAY WITH A HISTOPAD 

Pick up a HistoPad and explore the Château of Chambord during a unique and unforgettable experience! Using this 2.0 visitor guide, you can travel back in time and discover nine reconstructed rooms in the château using 3D technology and virtual reality. The HistoPad also includes interactive maps and a fun treasure hunt for children! 

Visite avec HistoPad à Chambord

FAQ

What activities are available for children?

The Château of Chambord offers a wide range of children’s activities. Why not take part in the hands-on “Introduction to Stone Carving” workshop? Or a family workshop? Children can also discover the château with Cassandra the Salamander using a puzzle booklet! 

What is the best way to book a visit to the Château of Chambord?

Save time and prepare your visit to the Château of Chambord by booking your ticket via the link below! 

OPENING TIMES OF THE CHÂTEAU OF CHAMBORD

Horaires d’ouverture du 08 January au 30 March 2024
Lundi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Mardi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Mercredi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Jeudi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Vendredi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Samedi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Dimanche Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Horaires d’ouverture du 31 March au 26 October 2024
Lundi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Mardi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Mercredi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Jeudi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Vendredi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Samedi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Dimanche Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Horaires d’ouverture du 27 October au 20 December 2024
Lundi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Mardi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Mercredi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Jeudi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Vendredi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Samedi Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Dimanche Ouvert de 09h à 17h
Horaires d’ouverture du 21 December au 31 December 2024
Lundi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Mardi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Mercredi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Jeudi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Vendredi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Samedi Ouvert de 09h à 18h
Dimanche Ouvert de 09h à 18h

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