Situated in the heart of Sologne, the Château de Chambord has been dazzling its visitors for five hundred years. A genuine architectural marvel, Chambord is emblematic of the French Renaissance throughout the world. As an affirmation of royal power and evocation of the ideal city, the monument remains an enigma that has yet to divulge all its secrets. An utterly unique, magical atmosphere engulfs the arriving visitor who has traversed the forest and come face to face with architecture imagined by François I and inhabited by the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci.

Constructed from 1519 at the request of François I, lover of the arts and a fervent hunter, the Château de Chambord is a palace that the king displayed to ambassadors and suzerains as a symbol of his power inscribed in stone. Built in the heart of the Sologne marshlands, Chambord represents an extraordinary architectural achievement. The castle’s plan and decors were designed to take shape around a central axis, the celebrated double-helix staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.  Only under the reign of Louis XIV was château construction finally completed. During the 18th century, extensive work was initiated within its confines; the need to ensure warmth and comfort impelled its different occupants to install permanent furnishing.

Visiting Chambord for a few hours, you will stroll through 500 event-filled years of French history. Staircases, galleries, terraces, large rooms and small cabinets offer invitations to roam around to your heart’s content. Indeed, Chambord is not just another castle. When you come to Chambord, you are entering a world apart, permeated with mystery, which opens gateways to Renaissance genius.

From the outset of its existence, Chambord has been dedicated to the arts. In 1670 Molière’s Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme premiered in the château; Louis XIV was looking on.  Faithful to time-honored tradition, since 2010 the estate has been hosting high-quality cultural programs (music, exhibitions, readings, shows…).

The Château de Chambord cannot possibly be dissociated from its natural environment, the forest.  Covering 13500 acres and encircled by 32 kilometers (20 miles) of boundary walls, the National Estate of Chambord is the largest enclosed park in Europe.  When you come to Chambord, you can explore an untold number of pathways hidden from view, admire unspoiled landscapes, have a chance to cross paths with wild animals, and discover the magnificent French gardens imagined under the reign of Louis XIV and comprehensively restored in 2017. Chambord also proposes numerous open-air activities within its park: horse show; carriage ride; visit of the reserve in a 4 x 4 vehicle; tours on boat, by foot, or on bike. You can organize your days on the estate as you like.

Photo gallery of Château de Chambord

Visits

  • Average duration of the individual visit : 01h30
  • Group educational visits
  • Average duration of the group visit : 01h30
  • Available languages
    • Panneaux : French, English
    • Parlées : French, English, Spanish

Activities

  • Specific theme activities
  • Junior workshop
  • Temporary exhibitions

Opening time

From March 26 to October 30, 2023
Monday09 AM - 05 PM
Tuesday09 AM - 05 PM
Wenesday09 AM - 05 PM
Thursday09 AM - 05 PM
Friday09 AM - 05 PM
Saturday09 AM - 05 PM
Sunday09 AM - 05 PM
From October 31 to December 22, 2023
Monday09 AM - 05 PM
Tuesday09 AM - 05 PM
Wenesday09 AM - 05 PM
Thursday09 AM - 05 PM
Friday09 AM - 05 PM
Saturday09 AM - 05 PM
Sunday09 AM - 05 PM
From 23 to December 31, 2023
Monday09 AM - 06 PM
Tuesday09 AM - 06 PM
Wenesday09 AM - 06 PM
Thursday09 AM - 06 PM
Friday09 AM - 06 PM
Saturday09 AM - 06 PM
Sunday09 AM - 06 PM
From 02 to January 07, 2024
Monday09 AM - 06 PM
Tuesday09 AM - 06 PM
Wenesday09 AM - 06 PM
Thursday09 AM - 06 PM
Friday09 AM - 06 PM
Saturday09 AM - 06 PM
Sunday09 AM - 06 PM
From January 08 to March 30, 2024
Monday09 AM - 05 PM
Tuesday09 AM - 05 PM
Wenesday09 AM - 05 PM
Thursday09 AM - 05 PM
Friday09 AM - 05 PM
Saturday09 AM - 05 PM
Sunday09 AM - 05 PM
From March 31 to October 26, 2024
Monday09 AM - 06 PM
Tuesday09 AM - 06 PM
Wenesday09 AM - 06 PM
Thursday09 AM - 06 PM
Friday09 AM - 06 PM
Saturday09 AM - 06 PM
Sunday09 AM - 06 PM
From October 27 to December 20, 2024
Monday09 AM - 05 PM
Tuesday09 AM - 05 PM
Wenesday09 AM - 05 PM
Thursday09 AM - 05 PM
Friday09 AM - 05 PM
Saturday09 AM - 05 PM
Sunday09 AM - 05 PM
From 21 to December 31, 2024
Monday09 AM - 06 PM
Tuesday09 AM - 06 PM
Wenesday09 AM - 06 PM
Thursday09 AM - 06 PM
Friday09 AM - 06 PM
Saturday09 AM - 06 PM
Sunday09 AM - 06 PM

Prices

Full adult price : from € 16.00 to € 31.00

Full adult price : from € 4.00 to € 7.00

Discount rate : € 13.50

Annual subscription pass : € 50.00

Guided tour extra charge : € 160.00

Other rates : € 12.00

Group rate : € 13.50

Other rates : from € 6.50 to € 17.00

Other rates : € 5.00

Free rate

Further information

Labels

  • Accueil vélo
    Accueil vélo
  • Ambassadeur Val de Loire
    Ambassadeur Val de Loire
  • La Loire à Vélo
    La Loire à Vélo
  • Qualité Tourisme
    Qualité Tourisme

Payment method

  • American Express
  • Mastercard

Access

  • Motorway at 22 km
  • Bus station at 20 km

Services and equipments

  • Shop
  • Bicycle hire
  • Picnic area
  • Bar / refreshment bar
  • Electric charging station for bicycles
  • Parking
  • Restaurant
  • Film projection room
  • Fully equipped meeting room
  • Wifi