A royal day out at Château of Chambord
The sunny days have arrived! Head out for a day spent discovering a jewel of the Loire Valley: Château of Chambord.
Let yourself be surprised by Château of Chambord
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Château of Chambord is a symbol of the French Renaissance and a true treasure of the Loire Valley. It represents the power of King Francis I and above all, his love for the Italian Renaissance, which can be found for example in the unique, striking architecture of the double helix staircase, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Nestled at the heart of Europe’s biggest enclosed forest reserve, the National Domain of Chambord, will surprise you with the many activities offered at this magical place, soaked in incredible history. In this article, come along with us on a royal day out at Château of Chambord. Let’s go!
Start the day with an unusual tour of Château of Chambord
To start the day, why not take a special tour of Château of Chambord? Accompanied by a passionate guide, you will explore the history and architecture of the Château of Francis I in detail. Many surprises are in store for you on this unusual tour, as you will be able to see certain hidden parts of the Château, which are usually closed off to unaccompanied visitors. You will get to see the mezzanine rooms, service staircases and attics at Château of Chambord, places filled with secrets. A unique experience, from €7 per person.
Continue through the French gardens and vegetable patch at Château of Chambord
A trip to Château of Chambord wouldn’t be complete without a detour through the splendid French gardens! The Château of Chambord’s French gardens were commissioned by Louis XIV, but in the interwar period they slowly disappeared. In 2017, they were fully restored, after 15 years of investigations and archaeological research. This work returned the parterres to their former glory, inviting visitors to stroll through these gardens, symbols of classic French elegance. Between two ornamental parterres, you can admire a multitude of trees, shrubs and plants, carefully maintained by the Château of Chambord gardening teams.
After a stroll through the French gardens, what do you say to an adventure in the Château of Chambord vegetable patch? Accompanied by a gardener guide, discover this organic vegetable garden, featuring over forty vegetable varieties! Learn more about permaculture, a technique used to grow organic fruit and vegetables while further developing the National Domain of Chambord’s biodiversity.
Time for a lunch break
Seems like it’s time to take a well-deserved lunch break. Many options are available to you, at the Château or nearby in the Chambord village square. There, you will find a large variety of restaurants, from fast food to more gourmet restaurants. Taste delicious, fresh, local products at Monument Café Chambord, settle in at a refined table at Le Grand Saint-Michel restaurant, or enjoy the friendly atmosphere at La Cave des Rois. And if you feel more like eating in the fresh air, find a spot on the lawn opposite the Château or in the picnic area available to you in the forest.Head off for more adventures by bike, boat or buggy...
Now, it’s time to stretch your legs, all the while enjoying the magnificent panorama on display around Château of Chambord! Jump on a bike or quadricycle, take a rowboat or electric boat, or else head out on foot along the marked walking trails - the possibilities are endless for a fun experience discovering the flora and fauna in the huge forest reserve at Château of Chambord. You are sure to find an activity that the whole family will enjoy!
The Château of Chambord horse show
For the next part of your afternoon, come along for a horse show in the Marshall of Saxony’s stables. Dive into the royal atmosphere of the court of Francis I and admire horses galloping and birds of prey in flight, brushing past your shoulders. It’s sure to be an exciting experience!Spend a royal night at Château of Chambord
To top off this special day, what do you say to sleeping right next to the sumptuous Château of Chambord? At Place Saint-Louis, the 4-star hotel “Le Relais de Chambord” features 55 rooms and suites to welcome you. There’s also no shortage of facilities available for you to enjoy your stay at Château of Chambord as much as possible: wellbeing space, gastronomic restaurant, bar, etc. The hotel also offers an over-water cabin for two, on the Cosson Canal just opposite the Château - magical night guaranteed!Château of Chambord also offers gites for rent, which can sleep up to eight. Located just a few metres from the Château, the Salamander, Stag and Gabillière gites are inspired by traditional Sologne houses, with a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere - the perfect place to spend time with family or friends, only a stone’s throw away from Château of Chambord.
Do you dream of waking up with an unbeatable view of the Château of Francis I? Don’t wait, book your gite!
The 2022 calendar at Château of Chambord
Like every year, Château of Chambord has a packed schedule of concerts, exhibitions and festivals!Pablo Reinoso exhibition
Discover the work of Pablo Reinoso, Franco-Argentinian designer and sculptor, in the majestic setting of Château of Chambord. For this exhibition, the artist is exploring the idea of the ecosystem, which is particularly significant at Chambord. The notion of balance is a theme that greatly interests the artist (as seen in his “Respirantes” [Breathing Sculptures] series or “Paysages d’Eau” [Landscapes of Water]). Here, the balance between humans and nature will be examined.
Practical info: “Overflows - Pablo Reinoso at Chambord” exhibition - From 1 May to 4 September 2022.
Chambord Nights
It was at Château of Chambord that the world’s first sound and light show took place in 1953, and this year, tradition continues with two exceptional evenings. Videos, lights, pyrotechnics and actors will transport you through the Château’s history, myths and legends during a breathtaking show!
Practical info: “Chambord Nights” - Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May
World Music Day
On 21 June, Domain of Chambord is celebrating music. Enjoy a variety of concerts in a rural atmosphere offered by musicians and bands, from the village square to the Marshall of Saxony’s stables, via the church.
Practical info: World Music Day - 21 June 2022 from 8 pm to 11.30 pm
Chambord Festival
Both internationally renowned musicians and emerging talents are included in the line-up for the 11th edition of the Chambord Festival. Thirteen concerts, combining text, dance and theatre, will take place in the Château courtyard and more intimate rooms.
Practical info: Chambord Festival. 2 to 16 July 2022.
Christmas at Château of Chambord
Sumptuous decorations and events invite young and old to discover Château of Chambord under the magical Christmas lights.
Practical info: Christmas at Château of Chambord - From 1 December 2022 to 2 January 2023
Find all the practical information for your trip to Château of Chambord.