With this guided tour of the Château de Chambord, discover the history of this Renaissance architectural masterpiece, built on the orders of François I between 1519 and 1547.
During your Loire châteaux tour, come visit Château de Chambord emblem of French Renaissance throughout Europe and the world.
Like many castles in France, the Chambord has its origins in the Middle Ages. In fact, a fortified castle, built for the Counts of Blois, existed at Chambord as early as the 10th century. But it didn't look anything like it does today.
So it's the king Francis 1st who, one year after his coronation, decided to build a palace, a veritable architectural work, symbol of his power and the grandeur of the French kingdom. This “prince-architect”, still in the glow of his victory at Marignan, wanted to turn it into a hunting lodge as an annex to the Blois castle.
It was a colossal construction site, with some 1,800 workers on the job. The plan of the Chambord castle and its sets were designed around the famous double-revolving staircase, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci then based in Amboise. This famous upward spiral leads to the abundance of sculpted chimneys and capitals, and to the terraces.
Despite the incredible beauty of the setting and the passion Francis 1st a for hunting, the king only spent 42 days at Chambord during his 32-year reign. After his death in 1547 Chambord castle gradually fell into oblivion. It wasn't until the reign of Louis XIV that François 1st's project was completed. Indeed, the Sun King understands the symbol of power and glory that Chambord represents for the kingdom of France.
During this visit to Château de Chambord with a private guide, discover the fascinating history of this masterpiece of the Renaissance classified UNESCO World Heritage Site.