The Château de Chambord is an enormous castle renowned for its French Renaissance style mixed with medieval features. A forest and a park surround the 16th-century castle in a rural setting near the Cosson River. Enjoy the picturesque views of the region and the Disneyesque castle with tall turrets.
Explore the castle in a novel fashion with the Histopad Chambord, a tablet that uses augmented reality to show how each room would have appeared during the Renaissance. The tour takes around 90 minutes as you traverse through the various chambers and grand halls and turn back time with technology. More traditional audio guides and guidebooks are available as well.
Watch the 20-minute film on the ground floor that gives a brief overview of the castle. Admire the double-helix staircase, see the impressive towers and learn about an intriguing history involving French royalty.
The site offers many ways to get around its grounds, including a horse and carriage, boat rental and electric vehicle rental. Stop at an observation point for excellent views of the woods and the castle.
Attend one of the upscale events that occur at the castle, such as the equestrian show. The castle regularly puts on art exhibits as well. Enjoy a snack at one of the cafés and peruse the shop at the château entrance.
Stroll leisurely through the surrounding fields and woodland area to appreciate the natural scenery. Spot deer and other wildlife between the trees. The river alongside the castle has an elegant path for walking and cycling.
King Francis I constructed the site as a hunting lodge in the 16th century. Apart from a few dates each year, the castle is open daily from morning until late afternoon. Visits are free for European youth and adults pay a reasonable fee.
The structure and grounds of Château de Chambord lie on the banks of the Cosson River that runs through the center of the commune. It is about 9 miles (14 kilometers) east of Blois. Take a shuttle between Blois-Chambord Station and Blois, Chambord, Cheverny and Beauregard. Parking lots and toilets are available on-site.
