Château de Chambord
Chambord is the largest château of the Loire: 426 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 77 staircases, begun in 1519 as a hunting palace for François I and never truly finished or lived in. The double-helix staircase at its heart, two spirals that never meet, follows a design tradition long linked to Leonardo da Vinci, who died at Amboise the year construction began.
The Estate
The château stands inside a 5,440-hectare walled park, the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, with a wall 32 kilometers around. Wild boar and red deer live in the reserve, observation towers stand along the paths, and bikes and boats rent by the hour at the château. The rooftop terraces, a village of lanterns, chimneys, and turrets, are the other half of the visit.
Visiting in 2026
Chambord introduced an experimental pricing structure on January 14, 2026: the reference ticket is 31€, with a 21€ rate for nationals and residents of the European Economic Area, valid through December 31, 2026. Hours run 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in high season (late March to late October) and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. otherwise, closed January 1 and December 25 plus listed low-season Mondays; check chambord.org for the current calendar and reduced categories. Allow two to three hours, more with the park.
Chambord and Chenonceau anchor the standard Loire day from Paris; our top ten castles page ranks the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Chambord cost in 2026?
Under the experimental 2026 pricing that began January 14, the reference ticket is 31€, with a 21€ rate for EEA nationals and residents, valid through December 31, 2026. Check chambord.org for reduced and free categories.
Did Leonardo da Vinci design Chambord?
No document proves it, but the double-helix staircase follows ideas Leonardo sketched, and he lived at Amboise, 45 minutes away, until his death in 1519, the year construction began. The connection is a strong tradition, not a signature.
How long does Chambord take?
Two to three hours for the château and rooftop terraces; a half day with the gardens and a bike or boat hour in the park. It pairs with Chenonceau as the classic one-day double.