Château de Chambord: Tickets

Château de Chambord FAQ’s

1. Is Château de Chambord a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

• Yes, Château de Chambord received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1981. It is also listed on the first list of historical monuments in France as of 1840.

2. Can you buy Château de Chambord tickets in advance?

• You can buy Château de Chambord tickets in advance and we highly recommend it. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, so it gets very busy, especially during the peak summer months, so buying your tickets in advance helps you to skip queuing times and you can enjoy more time looking around.

3. Are there restaurant options at Château de Chambord?

• Yes, the Chambord offers several restaurants and cafes to choose from.

4. Is Château de Chambord worth visiting?

• We think its a must, yes. One of the largest chateaux and with incredible history, its a fascinating and beautiful place to visit.

5. Who owns Château de Chambord?

• The French state has owned the chateaux since 1930.

6. Can you go inside Château de Chambord?

• You can go inside and enjoy Château de Chambord, yes! You just need to purchase a ticket! See above for ticket options, or CLICK HERE.

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Château de Chambord Fun Facts‍

• Leonardo da Vinci's Influence: Although it's not confirmed, Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life in France under the patronage of King Francis I, is believed to have had a hand in the design of Château de Chambord, particularly the innovative double helix staircase.
• Double Helix Staircase: The château's most famous feature is its double helix staircase, where two spirals ascend the central tower without ever meeting. This allows people to climb up or down without crossing paths.
• Unfinished Masterpiece: Despite its grandeur, Château de Chambord was never fully completed. Francis I died before it was finished, and later kings did not continue the construction to its full original plan.
• Royal Hunting Lodge: Chambord was originally built as a hunting lodge for King Francis I, who wanted a grand retreat to showcase his power and wealth. The surrounding forest was ideal for hunting.
• 440 Rooms: The château boasts a staggering 440 rooms, making it one of the largest châteaux in the Loire Valley. Many of these rooms were seldom used.
• 365 Chimneys: There are 365 chimneys in the château—one for every day of the year! Each is uniquely designed, contributing to the intricate roofline of the castle.
• 83 Staircases: In addition to the famous double helix, the château has 83 staircases, adding to the labyrinthine feel of the building.
• 13,000 Acres of Forest: The château is surrounded by a vast forested park which covers about 13,000 acres (around 5,300 hectares). It is the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, enclosed by a 32-kilometre-long wall!
• Habsburg Connection: The château was briefly owned by the Habsburg family. After Francis I's reign, the property passed through various hands, including Emperor Charles V!
• Napoleon's Gift: In 1809, Napoleon Bonaparte gave Château de Chambord to one of his generals, Louis Alexandre Berthier, as a reward for his services. Not a bad gift!
• World War II Refuge: During World War II, many of France's greatest artworks, including the Mona Lisa, were hidden in Château de Chambord to protect them from Nazi looting.
• Symbol of the French Monarchy: The salamander, the emblem of King Francis I, is featured prominently in the château's decorations.
• Movie Star: Château de Chambord has been featured in several films, including the James Bond movie "Moonraker" (1979) and Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" (2017).
• ‍Château's Gardens: The formal French gardens of Château de Chambord were restored to their original 18th-century design in 2017. The project took 14 years to complete and included the planting of over 600 trees, 800 shrubs, and 15,250 plants.