Château de Chambord

Commissioned as a royal retreat, the vast Château de Chambord has few rivals in pomp or architecture. Designed primarily by Domenico da Cortona, its roof features ornamental, asymmetrical designs; its towers lack turrets; and its double-helix staircase may originate from Leonardo da Vinci. Venture inside to see it all and visit kitchens, bedchambers, and other grand rooms. The palace sits on sprawing, 13,000-acre (5,260-hectare) grounds with walking trails and one of Europe's largest enclosed nature reserves.

The Château de Chambord is a highlight of any Loire Valley tour, and it features on multi-palace day trips from Paris, as well as private tours. You can also book skip-the-line tickets in advance of your visit to make logistics seamless. Explore the grounds on foot, by bike, horse-drawn carriage, or vehicle, depending on your preferences.

• For a taste of what royal château life was like, taste Chambord liqueur—said to be modeled on a spirit drunk at the castle by Louis XIV.

• Extend your visit with a stay at Relais de Chambord, a new hotel next to the castle.

• If you visit in winter, bundle up—the castle is chilly.

• HistoPad tablets, which include maps and augmented reality features, are available to visitors for an additional fee.

• In summer, electric boats in the moat are available to rent.

• Only select areas of the palace and grounds are accessible to wheelchair users, and admission is free for visitors with disabilities.

• Food options are hosted on site, including a cafe and several casual, open-air food trucks and kiosks; you can also bring a picnic.

Château de Chambord is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, roughly two hours south of Paris by car for a 110-mile (178-kilometer) trip—take the A10. The nearest train station to the castle is Gare de Blois-Chambord; taxis and shuttles connect visitors to the castle. Shuttles from Paris and guided day trips make logistics seamless.

The Château de Chambord is open daily from morning until evening, with extended summer hours. The castle is closed annually on January 1, November 30, and December 25.

No matter when you visit, there’s something to discover at Château de Chambord. Come from April to September to see an open-air horse and bird-of-prey show that brings the Renaissance to life. Visit in June and July to experience the annual Chambord Festival, a series of open-air concerts. Or stop by in December to see the castle done up in lights and festive attire.

The largest of all the Loire Valley châteaus, the Château de Chambord is also one of the most visited. Famous for its magnificent Renaissance architecture and double-helical staircase, Chambord was the first of France’s official Historical Monuments and has stood through five centuries of French history.

The Château de Chambord is located just east of Blois in the Loire Valley, about a 2-hour drive from Paris. Visitors can arrive by car (about 25 minutes from Blois); by train and shuttle bus from Blois-Chambord station; or by bike, along the Loire à Vélo cycle route.

The Château de Chambord and its formal gardens are open daily year-round, except for December 25, January 1, and occasional maintenance days; however, the château park is always open. From April to late October, the château is open typically from 9am-6pm, with closing times that vary in other months.

Yes. Daily guided 1-hour château tours are available in English in July and August. If you visit independently, you’ll have access to more than 60 rooms and options to upgrade your self-guided tour to include an interactive “Histopad” iPad tour with 3D interactive maps or the Chambord 360° VR experience.

Between two hours and the whole day. Most visitors spend about two hours visiting the château interiors and formal gardens. However, you also can watch the horse and raptor show, eat a picnic in Chambord Park, and explore more than 12 miles (20 kilometers) of walking and cycling trails.

Yes, parts of the Château de Chambord are accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. Admission and parking are free for visitors with disability documentation, and accessible areas include the château ground floor rooms, the château courtyard, and the carriage house. Wheelchairs are also available at the château.