Château de Chambord: Entry Ticket
An architectural triumph packed with French history and elegance
- Château de Chambord: Entry Ticket
- Admission to the French gardens
- Access to the temporary exhibitions
Château de Chambord Tickets and Information
- Château de Chambord Address: Château de Chambord, 41250, Chambord
- Opening Hours: Daily: 09:00 - 18:00
Is Château de Chambord worth visiting
- If you like buildings with incredible architecture and steeped in history, definitely, yes!
What you see when visiting Château de Chambord
- Incredible architecture
- Thousands of works of art
- Manicured gardens
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About Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Loire Valley. The largest châteaux in the area and one of the most renowned and iconic castles in France. The château is surrounded by a fairy tale forest and the whole estate is steeped in French cultural heritage and history.
Chambord was commissioned by King Francis I of France in the early 16th century as he wanted to use it as a hunting lodge as well as a symbol of his wealth and power. Its construction began in 1519, but due to the size of the project, it wasn’t fully completed during Francis I's reign but instead during the reign of Louis XIV.
The château is a prime example of French Renaissance architecture and blends traditional medieval elements with classical Italian influences with its design attributed to Domenico da Cortona, an Italian architect.
Architectural Features
- Double helix staircase: One of the most famous features of Chambord is its double helix staircase, which is often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The design allows two people to go up or down the stairs without crossing paths.
- Towers and Turrets: Chambord's design creates a picturesque frame in the skyline due to its towers, turrets, and chimneys, giving it a very imposing and majestic appearance, as if it's fit for a king!
- French Gardens: The château has vast gardens and a park that surround it, which is a typical Renaissance landscape design.
Chambord fell into disrepair at various points over the centuries. It managed to survive the French Revolution relatively intact and had periods of restoration and renovation.
During the 20th century (specifically 1939 - 1945 during WW2) Chambord was used to store masterpieces from numerous French museums. This was done for safety purposes to protect them in case the city museums were destroyed by bombings and because the Nazi’s who would routinely loot museums looking for important pieces to steal. Museums ended up moving important pieces (including Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’, Delacroix’s 'Liberty Guiding the People' and Raphael's 'The Lady with a Unicorn') were all stored or hidden in Chambord to protect them and were returned to their various homes once the war had ended.
Château de Chambord is now an incredibly popular tourist attraction with visitors from around the world taking time to see it.
Popular Tickets
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Château de Chambord FAQ’s
- 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.
- 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.
- Are there restaurant options at Château de Chambord?
- Yes, the Chambord offers several restaurants and cafes to choose from.
- 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.
- Who owns Château de Chambord?
- The French state has owned the chateaux since 1930.
- 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.
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.
Useful Information About Château de Chambord
Tips for visiting Château de Chambord:
- Plan Your Visit Time Wisely: Early or Late: To avoid crowds, consider arriving early in the morning when the château opens or later in the afternoon. Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends. The château can be very busy during peak tourist seasons (spring and summer). Visiting during the off-season can provide a more tranquil experience.
- Explore the Surrounding Park and Gardens: Biking and Walking: The château is surrounded by a vast park and forest, ideal for biking and walking. Renting a bike or taking a walk around the area can be lovely. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas of the park. It's a great way to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
- Take Advantage of the Audio Guide option: Opt for the histopad option to gain deeper insights into the history, architecture, and stories of Château de Chambord.
- Explore All Levels and Hidden Corners: Double Helix Staircase: Don’t miss the famous double helix staircase, designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It’s a unique architectural feature where two people can ascend or descend without ever meeting. The Rooftop Terraces: The rooftop terraces offer stunning views of the surrounding park and forest. Be sure to explore the rooftop for a different perspective of the château’s architecture and the landscape.
How to get there
- Château de Chambord, Château de Chambord, 41250, Chambord
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00
