Visiting Chambord
The name Chambord is synonymous with one thing for almost everyone in France, its magnificent Château. However, the town in the Loir-et-Cher department of the Centre-Val-de-Loire region has plenty more to offer if you are planning a long weekend.
The château, its gardens, and the estate
Chambord is, first and foremost, the largest and most majestic of the châteaux of the Loire Valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. In the 16th century, Francis I decided to transform the site into a hunting lodge, launching a massive construction project. The castle sits within the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, covering 50 square kilometers (about 19 square miles), which made it the ideal playground for hunting-obsessed nobility.
A guided tour is the best way to dive into the building's history. Do not miss the famous double-helix staircase, designed so that a person going up and a person coming down never cross paths. This architectural marvel is widely attributed to Leonardo da Vinci himself. Once you have explored the castle from top to bottom, spend the rest of the day wandering through the formal Renaissance gardens. Afterward, head into the vast forest estate, which remains a national hunting reserve. It is common to spot red deer, wild boar, and even Mediterranean mouflon sheep. If you visit between September and October, you might hear the roaring of the stags during the autumn rut.
Vegetable gardens and timber-framed houses
There are plenty of other ways to fill your time in Chambord. You can rent a rowboat, electric boat, or canoe to explore the canal. Cruising the banks in a golf cart or a pedal-powered rosalie is another effective way to take in the local flora and fauna. Think of it like a leisurely afternoon at a state park, but with a royal backdrop.
If you are interested in permaculture or want to show your children where food comes from, head to the potagers de Chambord. Workshops led by a market gardener teach the basics of organic farming and its importance for biodiversity. You can taste the produce directly at the restaurant or buy some to take home.
The town center of Chambord is also worth a stroll. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the streets are quite hilly. You will see historic timber-framed houses and private mansions. The Maison des acrobates, located on the Place Saint-Louis, is one of the oldest buildings in town, dating back to the reign of Louis XI. Be sure to catch the view of the Loire River from the 18th-century Pont Jacques-Gabriel.
When to go
The warmer months are the best time to explore Chambord on foot. If you want to avoid the peak crowds visiting the château, skip the summer months and plan your trip during the spring or fall.
How to get there
Chambord is located near Paris, just a two-hour drive via the A10, A85, or A71 highways. If you are not renting a car, the easiest way to arrive is by train to the Blois-Chambord station. There are also bus shuttles that run directly from the capital to the château.
