Château de Chambord: reviews, price and Exclusive Promo Code

+37
recs
4.9/5 9 reviews
Tickets from $22*
Booking recommended
Exclusive discount code
AVYGEO7 -7%
Book now
Château de Chambord
Vue d'ensemble du Château
Détail de murs extérieurs

Visiting the Château de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley châteaux

Located in Sologne, less than two hours south of Paris, the most imposing and visited of the Loire Valley châteaux, the Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will surprise you with its sheer scale and fairy-tale beauty!

A hunting lodge turned showcase of royal power

Conceived as a hunting lodge built by François I who wanted a monument to glorify his reign, construction during the 16th century required hauling 220,000 tons of stone.

A monument of staggering proportions

Built on the plan of medieval fortresses with massive corner towers framing its perimeter, its silhouette remains thoroughly Renaissance. Featuring a facade 156 metres long and 56 metres high, it contains 282 fireplaces, 800 sculpted capitals, 77 staircases, and more than 400 rooms.

As a historic landmark integrated into a royal estate, its 5,400-hectare forest designated as a protected Natura 2000 area stands as one of the largest in Europe. Red deer, mouflon sheep, and wild boar are frequently spotted roaming the grounds.

Highlights of the Château

Among the key sights, do not miss its keep, a symbol of military might built in the shape of a Greek cross in the manner of religious buildings. Take in the impressive double-helix staircase, traditionally attributed in spirit to Leonardo da Vinci, along with the vaulted ceilings and the rooftop terraces. If you have extra time, check out the Carriage Room and the museum devoted to the Count of Chambord.

A venue for cultural and historical pageantry

During peak season, a packed cultural calendar features performances recounting the history of the property, including equestrian shows, cape and sword displays, and birds of prey demonstrations that appeal to all ages. Visitors looking for a different perspective can even rent small boats to tour the grounds from the banks of the Cosson river!

Tickets from $22*Booking recommended
Exclusive Promo Code
AVYGEO7-7%
Check availability

Opening hours

Open daily except January 1, with the following hours:

January through March and October through December: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

April through September: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Château de Chambord

Summary of 9 reviews
4.9/5
Average rating
+37 recs +37 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
4.9
With friends
4.9

Avygeo ranking

#28
in the world
#27
in Europe
#18
in France
#1
in Chambord

Really beautiful experience

I discovered the Château de Chambord during a bike trip on the Loire à Vélo route.
I didn't visit the inside of the château, but I really enjoyed biking around the park.
It lets you take advantage of the wide open spaces and admire some beautiful views of the château.

It is also possible to rent pedal carts on site, a fun way to get around that will please both kids and adults.

A must do!

173
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

Extraordinary architecture

For me, this is the Loire Valley castle with the most impressive architecture. Its dimensions are truly colossal. I love looking at the roof, the capitals, and the countless chimneys. The interior is just as masterful. The double-helix staircase, the richness of the decor in the royal apartments, and the interactive tablet transported me right into the middle of the 16th century.

Plan on two to three hours for the castle tour, and a good full day if you also want to take a walk through the grounds and catch some medieval shows.

128
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

The most famous and grandest of the Loire Valley castles

Without a doubt, the Château de Chambord is the star of the Loire Valley castles. Everyone has their own taste when it comes to this, but it is a must-see if you are passing through the region. However, to me, it is the most austere of the royal residences dating from the Renaissance. The rooms are beautifully decorated, the staircase (which was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci) is a little architectural gem, and the whole place really gives an impression of majesty.

86
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends : N/A

Magnificent

Whether from the outside or the inside, the Château de Chambord is truly magnificent. It is very imposing but also very vast. You will need several hours if you want to see everything. It has truly unique architecture. During the high season, many activities are organized that kids really enjoy.

23
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

Imposing castle and medieval shows

Huge castle with a lot of rooms to visit. History buffs will be thrilled. When I was there, there was a group on the grounds re-enacting moments from French history, staging big battles with horseback acrobatics. Impressive.

20
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

Imposing

Everything is in the title. A castle with imposing dimensions, surrounded by a huge estate. Its exterior architecture full of movement echoes its richly decorated rooms.

22
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

Very interesting

Famous Loire Valley castle, huge in size, with really special architecture, turrets, staircases, and terraces that I haven't seen anywhere else. The interior includes many rooms to see, and also different art objects and period pieces to discover, which let you learn a little more about the history of previous centuries.

23
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

At least half a day to explore everything

Huge estate with various shows (historical reenactments, bird of prey training), and the castle itself is immense, with different sections and terraces that give you a different view of the facades full of decorations.
A must-see.

23
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

Imposing and artistic

Compared to Chenonceau for example, the Château de Chambord is massive and imposing. Still, its architecture is very artistic, whether you look at the numerous small turrets, the staircases, or the facades decorated with statues.
On the third floor, you can access a terrace that goes all the way around, with a panoramic view of the Château grounds.
There are also exhibits inside the Château. You will see armor belonging to Francis I that shows just how giant he was, or even a stone from the castle roped to a pulley that lets you test the weight of the stones used for the construction. Plan for at least 2 hours to walk around the place (closing at 6 PM in August).
Right at the entrance, there is a small arena where a troupe performs with horses, birds of prey, and a few comedic scenes. They re-enact different historical events that took place during the reign of Francis I (him again!). Informative, spectacular, and fun.

19
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

Articles posted by members

These pages may interest you

Top most beautiful castles and palaces in Centre-Val de Loire Top most beautiful castles and palaces in France Top most beautiful castles and palaces in Europe Top most beautiful castles and palaces in the world Top most beautiful monuments in France Top most beautiful monuments in Europe Top most beautiful monuments in the world