The Château de Chambord is the largest and most recognizable castle in the Loire Valley, a magnificent example of French Renaissance architecture commissioned by King François I in 1519. Built primarily as a lavish hunting lodge and a symbol of royal power, its unique design is often attributed to the influence of Leonardo da Vinci, featuring a distinctive double-helix staircase at its center. This immense chateau boasts a fairytale skyline of turrets and chimneys and is set within the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, earning it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
John and Virginia in front of the Chateau de Chambord
Chateau de Chambord
Chateau de Chambord
Chateau de Chambord
Chateau de Chambord
Inside the Chateau de Chambord
The double helix spiral staircase inside the Chateau de Chambord
Inside the Chateau de Chambord
Inside the Chateau de Chambord
Inside the Chateau de Chambord
Inside the Chateau de Chambord
Inside the Chateau de Chambord
Inside the Chateau de Chambord
Inside the Chateau de Chambord
Courtyard inside the Chateau de Chambord
Courtyard inside the Chateau de Chambord
Gardens as seen from Courtyard inside the Chateau de Chambord
Gardens as seen from inside the Chateau de Chambord