Château De Chambord: Opening Hours, Price And Location
The Château de Chambord is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the Loire Valley, in France. Today we want to explain why this is the case and, of course, offer you all the useful information you need to visit it. Are you staying with us?
Why visit the Château de Chambord
Before knowing the information about the location, hours and prices of the castle it is important to know why precisely this, and not another of those on the Loire route, is special. Well, we will tell you a little about its history and its architecture.
This castle dates from the 16th century and was built on the same land that was occupied by the castle of the Counts of Blois. Although the works were paralyzed due to the defeats of Francisco I of Pavia in front of Carlos, king of Spain and Germany at that time, only a few years it was rebuilt.
This castle was started for its famous keep. It is a tower with a Latin cross plan with a curious double helix staircase. This was, in principle, the only building that was intended to be built. But later it was decided to make a whole castle and wings began to rise on its sides with its characteristic towers.
When Francisco I died the castle was left in the hands of other French kings who did not give it much importance. However, in the 17th century, Louis XIII gave it to his brother Gastón, who decided to restore it.
How is the castle
The style of the Château de Chambord is a mix between medieval and Italian Renaissance architecture. Obviously, the part that gets the first glances is its ornate facades built with impressive geometric shapes. Once inside, part of the attention goes to the inner tower and its staircase.
The keep has a cantilevered balcony and four corner towers, undoubtedly evoking the design of medieval fortresses of the time. It is said that Leonardo da Vinci himself participated in the first design of this castle and that, in fact, he would be the creator of the tower’s double helix staircase.
But the Château de Chambord is impressive from any point of view. It has 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, four meter-long lobbies, 84 staircases and 52.5 square kilometers of lush terrain of forests and trees. Beautiful inside and out …
Location, hours and prices of the Château de Chambord
Surely after reading all this about the castle of Chambord the idea of knowing it haunts your head. Well, here is everything you need to know to visit it :
Location
The Château de Chambord is located in the famous Loire Valley, where there are more than 100 castles, each more beautiful, that you can visit. Like them, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is located about two hours from Paris by car, between the Loiret and the forests of the valley, opening the ‘gate’ of the Loire Valley.
It is best to go by car, but you can also get there by bus from Paris. There are companies that pick you up in the center of the French capital and take you on an excursion to this beautiful castle. You can also see some other, such as Chenonceau or Cherverny.
Schedules
The Château de Chambord is open every day of the year, except January 1, February 3 and December 25. Its hours from January to March and from October to December are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April to September it is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pets can be brought, as long as they are on a leash and if applicable according to the breed, with a muzzle.
Prices
The prices of the Château de Chambord are 11 euros for adults and 6 euros for children under 12 years of age. Children under 4 are free. At this price you have to add the parking if you go by car, since this is private and has a price of about 6 euros per day, approximately.
We hope that all this information will help you organize that visit to the beautiful and majestic Château de Chambord, a jewel of architecture. And, of course, we recommend that you follow the route along the Loire to discover other wonderful castles as well.
