By Sylvia Bury
Today, I would like to take you to Loire Valley…
It’s a beautiful region located around 2 to 3 hours drive south of Paris, a magnificent land of chateaux, wines and spectacular scenery. Loire River, which is the longest river in France, is the heart of this region and here we can find lots of royal castles from the middle ages. Most of them were seigniorial residences that were used as fortresses during the war between the English and the French back in the days. After mid 15th century, there came the peace and these fortresses were remodeled to be palaces of the aristocracy.
Let’s start with the biggest chateau in Loire Valley
Chateau de Chambord is a masterpiece from the Renaissance era built in white limestone by King Francois I back in 1519 and finally completed by Louis XIV around 100 years later. I understand that you will expect an extraordinary work for that long time architectural contemplation & construction. So, let’s see and have a look at this UNESCO world heritage, Chateau de Chambord.
Photo Courtesy of Chateau de Chambord
Chateau de Chambord, Loire Valley
Chambord’s Nature, Wildlife and Vineyard
Chateau de Chambord stands completed surrounded by nature. It’s located between Le Cosson river and the 5440 hectares of wilderness, which is home to wild boar, deer, roe deer, fox, polecat/skunk, wildcat and many species of birds. Since 1542, it was the Royal Hunting Park for King Francois I. The park is now classified as a National Reserve of Hunting and Wildlife. Around a thousand of hectares of this park are open to public for a nice walk, bird watching, wildlife observation, bicycling or horse riding. These 24 km footpaths are accessible all year round.
A year before the chateau was founded, King Francois I decided to import 80,000 Burgundy varietal vines into the region. The vineyard then began to spread into the surrounding areas. In 1547, upon the sovereign’s death, a census of the farm buildings on the Chambord royal estate revealed that the majority of them were home to small plots of vines.
Chateau de Chambord, a UNESCO world heritage
Original Plan of Chateau de Chambord
Chambord, the Chateau
The castle itself was designed very symmetrical, which is an essential signature from Renaissance architecture. Leonardo da Vinci has similar drawings of this palace in his notebooks hence some said that he is the one who designed the “double helix” staircase of the chateau. The staircase is composed of twinned helical ramps twisting one above the other around a hollowed out, partially open core. This way, two people will be able to go up and down without ever meet each other along the way – a masterpiece from French Renaissance.
There are more than 300 sculptures and molding of salamander in Chateau de Chambord. King Francois I chose it as his symbol. Salamander was considered magical during that period and it was believed to be able to survive on land and in water could also withstand fire. Adopting the salamander as his mascot, King Francois I had it carved into his castles, such as Chateau de Fontainebleau as well as Chateau de Chambord.
The double helix staircase by Leonardo da Vinci & carved salamanders on the ceiling
The palace is located on the north wall. The sidewalls on the west, the east and also the rear wall on the south form the inner courtyard. The current entrance to visit the chateau is located on the south, which was used to be tradesmen’s entrance. The range of walls was completed in the 17th century and designed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart between 1683-1685.
The south entrance of Chateau de Chambord
Horse Show at Chateau de Chambord
Dates: from April 29 to October 1
After visiting the chateau, you can enjoy this horse show at the Stables of the Marshal of Saxony, located near the chateau. There are two shows per day at 11:45 am and 4:45 pm, everyday except Mondays and everyday in July and August. Hmmm… Let’s enjoy some medieval warriors and knights in action!
Horse-drawn carriage in the wilderness of Chambord
Dates: from April 1 to November 5
One horse carriage can accommodate up to 20 guests and it will take you for 45 mins ride starting from the front of the chateau to the private part of the domain and the royal hunting park. Let’s travel back in time!
Boat ride on the canal of Chateau de Chambord
Dates: April 1 to November 5
At the foot of the castle, we can ride a bot in the canal to enjoy the view from a unique perspective. You can choose between rowboats for your sportive activity or electric boats for more comfort.
Plan Your Visit!
Chateau de Chambord is located around 20 mins drive from Blois City and around one-hour drive from Tours City. You can get to Blois and Tours by train from Paris.
The chateau is open all year long from 9 am to 5 pm and only closed on January 1 and December 25. In high season, they close one hour later.
Christmas in Chambord is another big event worth waiting for. Starting from December 1, there will be entertainment and spellbinding decorations. Christmas shows will be organized on December 16 & 17 and again from December 23 to January 7.
Christmas Shows in Chambord
Photo Courtesy of Chateau de Chambord
Thank you so much for reading!
More will be coming your way, from Loire Valley!