chateau de chambord

Chateau de Chambord

Chateau de Chambord - Presentation

Chateau de Chambord is the name given to the royal estate at Chambord in the Loir-et-Cher region of the Loire Valley, near Blois. It is the largest of the Loire castles. It is located in a park surrounded by a wall over 30 km long.

Chambord is Unesco World Heritage Site since 1981 and as a historic monument since 1840, and is part of the system of European royal residences.

Visit the Chateau de Chambord

Visit

To visit the Chateau de Chambord, you will need to purchase a ticket via the online ticketing service. (Platform different from the official website)

Opening hours

Visiting times at Chateau de Chambord vary according to season: from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in low season, and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in high season.

Here are the Château de Chambord opening times for 2025:

Period Opening hours Remarks
January 2 to 4 9am - 6pm  
January 5 to March 28 9am - 5pm  
March 29 to October 26 9am - 6pm  
October 27 to December 19 9am - 5pm  
December 20 to December 31 9am - 6pm Early closing at 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31

The château is open every day of the year, except January 1, March 20 and December 25. The last entrance is 30 minutes before closing time. The formal gardens also close 30 minutes before the château.

The park surrounding the château is open all year round.

For further information or to organize your visit, please contact the reservations department on +33 (0)2 54 50 50 40 or by email at reservations@chambord.org.

Tickets for the Chateau de Chambord

Here is a table summarizing the rates for visiting the Château de Chambord in 2025:

Ticket prices 

Ticket typeRateDescription
Full price19 €Access to the château and formal gardens.
Reduced rate16,50 €For visitors who have purchased a "forest or animation" service, teachers who do not hold an education pass, young people aged 18 to 25 from outside the EU, jobseekers, RSA or welfare recipients.
Free0 €For under-18s, 18-25 year-olds from the European Union, French primary and secondary school teachers holding an education pass, disabled persons and their accompanying adults, and journalists.
HistoPad6,50 €Interactive tablet offering an immersive 3D tour. Family pack (3 HistoPads) available at €17.
In-depth visit15 €Access to areas usually closed to the public. Duration: 3 hours. Additional charge.
Guided tour4 € à 7 €1h30 guided tour, giving access to areas closed to the self-guided tour. Additional charge.

Prices may vary according to season and special offers. We recommend consulting the official Château de Chambord website for the latest information.

Chambord offers a range of prices, depending on the tour and the individual's situation. Rates vary from 12 to 14.50 euros per person.

Access to Domaine de Chambord

Blois - Chambord station

Visit Blois - Chambord station is a railway station located in Blois, in the Loir-et-Cher department of the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is on the line from Paris-Austerlitz to Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, between Orléans and Tours. The station is served by TER Centre-Val de Loire trains from Paris-Austerlitz or Orléans to Tours, and by Interloire trains between Orléans and Le Croisic. Since 2022, Ouigo Train Classique services between Paris-Austerlitz and Nantes have also stopped here.

Blois Chambord - transfer options

For travellers to the Chambord castlelocated about 20 kilometers from Blois, several transport options are available from the station:

  • Car Car rental: Car rental services are available close to the station. The journey to Chateau de Chambord takes around 25 minutes via the departmental roads.

  • Shuttle Shuttle services: Shuttle services are available, particularly from tourist operators, offering direct links between the Blois - Chambord train station and the château. It is advisable to check timetables and book in advance.

  • Bus The regional bus network offers routes between Blois and Chambord. Schedules and frequencies vary, so it's advisable to check with the local transport network.

The Blois - Chambord station is equipped with a range of services for travelers, including ticket offices open every day, cash dispensers and facilities for people with reduced mobility. Parking and bicycle storage are also available in the immediate vicinity of the station.

For up-to-date information on train times, station services and transport options to the Château de Chambord, please consult the official SNCF and Château de Chambord websites.

To get to the Chateau de Chambord, you'll need to take the D33 and/or the D112, depending on which parking lot you choose. The estate has several parking lots open 24 hours a day.

Castle services

The services on offer are diverse. In fact, the site offers three different stores, a booking site, 3 catering sites, and 3 different accommodation sites.

Chambord Live 2025

Visit Chambord Live is an exceptional musical event that takes place every year in the majestic setting of the Chambord castle. This one-of-a-kind festival welcomes renowned international artists, offering a grandiose spectacle in the heart of France's heritage. Thanks to its historic setting and immersive atmosphere, Chambord Live has become a not-to-be-missed event for music and culture lovers.

Chambord Live 2025 Program

Practical information:

  • Concert date : Sunday, June 22, 2025
  • Location: Château de Chambord, 41250 Chambord, France
  • Tickets : Pre-sales began on Friday December 13, 2024 at 10am on Ticketmaster.fr. General sales followed on Saturday December 14, 2024 at 10am on Chambordlive.com and at the usual points of sale.

Publishing Chambord Live 2025 promises an unforgettable evening with the legendary band Black Eyed Peas. After memorable performances by Sting, Imagine Dragons and David Guettathe festival continues to win over a wide audience with its blend of music and exceptional heritage. The concert will take place on June 22, 2025A unique experience where modernity and history meet in a grandiose setting. Spectators will have the opportunity to discover or rediscover the castle while enjoying a spectacular musical show.

Attend Chambord Liveis an immersive experience on one of France's most beautiful sites. The festival takes place in the open air, under the starry skies of the royal estate, offering a magical atmosphere. In addition to the concert, visitors can explore the Chambord estatewith its formal gardens and vast natural spaces. With a limited number of places available, it's advisable to book your tickets early to make sure you don't miss out on this not-to-be-missed event.

Chambord offers a wide range of events, often including film shoots.

Chambord - Presentation of the national estate

The castle

Chateau de Chambord consists of a square keep surrounded by four corner towers, which form a Greek cross when viewed from the air, and in the middle of which is the double-revolving staircase. The style of the chateau is undoubtedly Renaissance. influenced by the presence of Leonardo da Vinci the court of King François 1er, and thus the Italian Renaissance style. For example the double-revolving staircase.  Today, it is impossible to know the name of the architect who designed this Renaissance monument.

A Castle of Imposing Proportions

With its 426 rooms, 83 staircases, 282 fireplaces and 800 carved capitalsthe Chambord castle is a monumental work of art. It is based on a Greek crosscentered around a massive keep flanked by four towers. This symmetrical, imposing structure is reminiscent of medieval fortified castles, while adopting elements typical of the Renaissance with its wide openings, elegant galleries and sculpted details.

The castle's roofs are a veritable ornamental masterpiecewith their innumerable bell towers, dormer windows and finely sculpted fireplacesgiving the building an enchanting silhouette.

The Double-Revolution Staircase: An Engineering Mystery

One of the castle's most fascinating features is its double-revolution staircaseoften attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. This unique staircase allows two people to climb the steps simultaneously without ever passing each other, an architectural feat that still intrigues people today. Located at the heart of the keep, it symbolizes the innovation and avant-garde vision of the Renaissance.

A Château Inspired by Italy and the Middle Ages

Although designed as a hunting lodge rather than a permanent royal residence, Chambord incorporates multiple influences:

  • Medieval heritage is reflected in its dungeon-like layout and massive corner towers.
  • Italian influence is evident in its wide galleries, panoramic terraces and sculpted decor inspired by Antiquity.
  • Technical innovations include an advanced air circulation system, monumental windows and innovative use of natural light.

Chambord - The gardens

The gardens of Chambord were created on the initiative of Louis XIV. Work began in 1684, requiring major roadworks and earthworks, which were completed in the 18th century.

It wasn't until 1734 that the formal gardens really came into being. The work, covering more than 6 hectares, continued until 1751, with the removal of the marshes that persisted around the estate and encouraged malaria.

The gardens will be redeveloped between 2016 and 2017, in one of the largest garden restoration and planting projects in France.

The estate

The surface area of the Chambord estate is estimated at over 5,000 hectares. Part of this land - the agricultural land - was annexed by François 1er in the 16th century, and the rest was acquired by Gaston d'Orléans in the 17th century. The estate is surrounded by a 32-kilometer wall.

Vegetable gardens

Chambord owns and cultivates vegetable gardens based on permaculture. More than 5 hectares were already under cultivation, and a further 5 hectares were added, with the aim of encouraging short circuits, from production to consumption.

The stables

The current stables are in fact made up of what was once known as the "petite écurie", a project initiated by Louis XIV. The project for a large stable was never realized, and the work was completed by the Comte de Saxe in the 18th century.

Chambord vineyards

The estate includes vineyards for red and white wine, whose origins can be traced back to François 1er, who is said to have brought over 80000 vines from Burgundy, Beaune in Burgundy, in the 16th century. Since 2015, the estate has undertaken the planting of over 14 hectares of vines.

Chateau de Chambord - History and anecdotes

Royal heritage

In 1498, Château de Chambord became part of France's royal heritage with the accession to power of Louis XII, but it was François who made it his own. Ist who decided to transform the château into a palace after his victory at the Battle of Marignan.

Hunting estate

The project is to create a magnificent hunting estate, in honor of François 1st construction of a square keep with four towers and two wings. The work was partially completed in 1539, in anticipation of the arrival of Charles V. Despite the extensive work, François 1st stays no longer than 40 days.

The Chateau de Chambord and Louis XIV

As the hunting lodge was far from the court residences, the Château de Chambord was left unexplored. Louis XIV who showed an interest in Chambord by visiting the château on numerous occasions and completing the work begun by François I.

 King Louis XV exiled his father-in-law, the King of Poland, and transferred the château to Marshal de Saxe, who later became its governor.

Chateau de Chambord in the 19th century

In the 19th century, the château's history was a turbulent one, as it passed from hand to hand in the wake of succession and the times of France.

The twentieth century

It was acquired by the French state in 1930.

Frequently asked questions about Chambord Castle

What is the history of Château de Chambord?

Visit Chambord Castle was built in the early 16th century under François I, who wished to use it as a sumptuous hunting lodge. Its exceptional architecture, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, makes it a masterpiece of the French Renaissance. With its 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircasesIt is the largest of the Loire castles.

How to visit Château de Chambord

The château is open all year round and offers several types of tour:

  • Open house with an explanatory booklet or interactive mobile application.
  • Guided tour to discover the castle's secrets with an expert.
  • Augmented reality tour with HistoPad, an immersive tool for exploring Chambord through the centuries.

How much does admission to Château de Chambord cost?

  • Adult : about 16 €
  • Reduced rate (students, jobseekers, etc.): approx. 13 €
  • Free for under-18s and EU residents under 26.
    Tickets can be purchased online to avoid queues.

How long does it take to visit the castle?

Visit duration varies according to visitor interest:

  • Quick tour : about 1h30 to 2h to see the main rooms and the double spiral staircase.
  • Full tour : 3 hours to a full day to explore the castle, gardens and forest estate.

Can I climb the terraces at Château de Chambord?

Yes, access to panoramic terraces is included in the entrance ticket. They offer an exceptional view over the estate, with the opportunity to admire the castle's roofs and numerous chimneys.

Are there any events or shows at Château de Chambord?

Yes, Chambord organizes year-round :

  • From equestrian and falconry shows in high season.
  • From illuminations and night-time entertainment in summer.
  • From temporary exhibitions and concerts.

Where can I park to visit Château de Chambord?

There are several paid parking lots near the château, with prices around 6 € per day. Free parking is available at 4 kmA shuttle service to the site is available for a fee.

Can we picnic at Chambord?

Yes, some picnic areas are located close to the château. You can also enjoy lunch in one of the estate's restaurants.

What else should I see around Chambord?

Nearby must-sees include :

  • Visit Château de Bloisthe royal residence of several French kings.
  • Visit Château de Chevernywhich inspired Moulinsart in Tintin.
  • Visit Zoo Parc de Beauvalone of Europe's most beautiful zoos, located approximately 40 minutes.

Can you stay at Chambord?

Yes, it is possible to sleep in a hotel Le Relais de Chambordlocated just a few metres from the château. From gîtes, B&Bs and campsites are also available in the region.

When is the best time to visit Château de Chambord?

Visit spring and summer are the ideal times to enjoy the gardens and shows. L'fall offers a beautiful ambience in the forest, and thewinter allows for a quieter, more intimate visit, especially during the Christmas decorations period.

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