The Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley, begun in 1519 for King Francis I, and a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List (Loire Valley). It is famous for its open double-helix staircase—often linked to Leonardo da Vinci—and for a rooftop terrace where towers, a lantern tower and hundreds of chimneys rise like a city skyline. In 2026 the château is open normally with no major works (closed only on 1 January and 25 December); highlights include the equestrian show 'Chambord, l'histoire à cheval' (April–September) and the Chambord Festival in early July. Crowds are heavy in high season, on weekends and during events, so booking tickets online in advance is recommended.
The double-helix staircase: two intertwined spirals let people go up and down without ever meeting—a design often attributed to ideas of Leonardo da Vinci.
The rooftop terrace: an open-air level where towers, the lantern tower and 282 chimneys form a striking silhouette, with views over the gardens and forest.
The French formal gardens (jardins à la française), restored in 2017, whose symmetrical parterres frame the château's façade.
Interior detail: the royal apartments, the 18th-century kitchens, and the carved salamander—the emblem of Francis I—repeated throughout the building.
The ~5,440-hectare walled hunting park, Europe's largest, a wildlife reserve of red deer and wild boar, with the Grande Promenade walking route.
Good to know
RulesA new pricing scheme took effect on 14 January 2026: reference rate €31, €21 for EEA nationals/residents, and free for under-18s and EU citizens aged 18–25 (ID required). Always confirm current prices and opening times on the official site before your visit.
RulesThe standard ticket does not include the HistoPad tablet guide, guided tours, or the equestrian show. Book these separately if you want them.
CautionBeware of unofficial resale sites charging inflated prices or selling fake tickets. Booking directly at chambord.org is the safest option.
SeasonJune–July high season and weekends are very busy. Note that during the Chambord Live concerts on 26–28 June 2026, surrounding roads close from 1 p.m., so check your schedule and access route in advance.
SafetyThe estate is vast with long forest trails where it is easy to lose your way and to encounter wildlife such as deer and boar—stay on marked paths. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, and keep an eye on your belongings in car parks and on trains.
MannersKeep quiet inside the château and follow the rules on flash photography, tripods and drones. The terraces are windy and there is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the season.
Practical info
Chambord is under two hours from Paris by car; in high season (April–October) take the train from Paris-Austerlitz to Blois-Chambord (about 1h20), then a shuttle (about 25 minutes, from around €15 round-trip). Opening hours are 9:00–17:00 in low season and 9:00–18:00 in high season (28 Mar–25 Oct), with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Confirm current prices, hours and shuttle operation on the official site before you go.
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