Chambord Chateau

travel wonder in France

Why Chambord

Chateau is special

Chambord Chateau is the largest and most dramatic of the numerous chateaus in France's Loire Valley. It has 440 rooms and hundreds of fireplaces and chimneys (some are visible in the photo).

Chambord Chateau

tips & insights

Despite its size and many construction elements, the French Renaissance style Chateau Chambord retains architectural harmony.

The main Chambord Chateau interior attraction is the twin, spiraling staircases, which are intertwined, double-helix style. People ascending do not encounter those descending.

King Francis I built Chateau Chambord in the Sixteenth century to serve three concurrent purposes: country palace, hunting lodge and sturdy fortress. He wanted to impress his subjects and visiting foreign dignitaries - and was successful in doing it.

However, the building costs nearly bankrupted King Francis I.

Chateau Chambord deteriorated through neglect and lack of funds for much of the 17th and 18th centuries - and was ransacked of its furnishings during the French Revolution.

Gradually, the French restored Chambord Chateau. Today it is in fine condition for a nearly 500 year old building.

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©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications