He fancied a hunting lodge. Francois I spent without counting to realise his masterpiece project. He even went so far as to change the natural course of the Loire River. The chateau we see today was not completed until 1685, and by far it is the largest chateau in the Loire.
The Royal Chateau at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France is the most recognisable chateau in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture that blends classical Italian structures with traditional medieval forms and a variety of towers and turrets. The roofline really is incredible.
If you're going to visit one chateau on the Loire, it should be this one. This is solid stock. 84 staircases, 18 stories high 440 rooms, 420 feet wide, .... Inside the chateau the highlight is the double helix staircase which serves as the axis for the entire chateau, and is thought to have been designed by da Vinci.
The chateau is in the centre of a 13,000 acre wooded park and game reserve with red deer and wild boar, surrounded by a twenty mile wall. It is the largest forest park in Europe.
The castle was rarely occupied. Francois I spent barely 7 weeks at Chateau Chambord on short hunting trips. Because the chateau had been constructed for the purpose of short visits, it was not practical to stay there on a longer-term basis. The massive rooms, high ceilings and huge windows made heating a logistical nightmare. This was exacerbated by the fact that the chateau was not surrounded by a estate or a village. Other than game, there was no immediate source of food.
The end result was that all the food had to be brought in for the hunting parties which typically numbered between 2000 to 3000 people at a time. This puts catering for the extended family for the holiday season into perspective doesn't it.
When the chateau was not inhabited it was left completely unfurnished. All of the tapestries, paintings, furniture, eating implements, were brought in especially for each hunting trip. It would have been like co-ordinating a party of two thousand odd including the royal family going camping.
This is why much of the furniture from this era was built to be disassembled in order to aid transportation. French armoires and beds all disassemble beautifully. Contrary to popular belief Ikea did not invent flat-packing.
After King Francois died, Chateau de Chambord remained unoccupied for some eighty years falling into a terrible state of decay. In 1639 Louis XIII gave it to his brother, Gaston d'Orleans who carried restoration work which was greatly needed. He saved the castle.
Louis XIV furnished the royal apartments and added a horse stable for a mere 300 horses to allow him to use the castle as a hunting lodge.
In 1930 the chateau became the property of the French Government but restoration work was not begun until a few years after World War II ended in 1945.
Obviously, this is a must see chateau. Make sure you have good pair of walking shoes, a little snack and a bottle or two of water, and a camera preferably with a fish eye lense. Park your car in the free parking lot. Try to get there before or after all the tourist buses.
Chateau Amboise
The narrow cobbled streets of Amboise wind at the base of the large. Although only 25% of the original chateau survives, the fortress walls with flying banners look down on the village and neighboring river. It was here that King Francois I hit his head on a low arch, bringing an early end to his life.
Chateau Chambord
King Francois I was not content with just the castles at Chenonceau and Amboise. He acquired over 10,000 acres of hunting grounds and decided to build the world's most magnificent "hunting lodge." Chambord was built over many decades by Francois and his successors, Charles IX and Henri II in the sixteenth century.
Fully restored now, Chambord stands as the most extravagant and most excessive of all the Loire chateaux - 500 feet wide with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. The central grand staircase was supposedly designed by the Italian great, Leonardo da Vinci. It has double spirals which enable two parties of people to ascend and descend simultaneously without crossing paths. Chambord will reward any visit with its grandeur and extravagance.
Chateau Chenonceau
Chenonceau Chateau stuns you with its two-story, 260-foot Great Gallery spanning across the River Cher. Originally "acquired" by King Francois I, it then passed to his successor, Henri II, who gave it to Diane de Poitiers his mistress. Diane expanded the chateau and built a bridge across the river.
When Henri II died, his wife, Catherine de Medici, took revenge on Diane by forcing her rival to exchange Chateau Chenonceau for nearby Chateau Chaumont. Catherine then instructed the construction of the bridge gallery. Incredibly extravagant galas were hosted here until Catherine's son, Henry III, was murdered. His wife, Louise de Savoie, placed the castle in mourning, furnishing it entirely in black and white.
History leaps out as you tour the rooms and the gardens. In world war I the Great Gallery was converted to a hospital. In WWII the chateau marked the boundary between Nazi-occupied and free France and became the site of prisoner exchanges. Today the chateau and grounds are maintained as if they were still at their height under Catherine de Medici.
Chateau Clos Luce
Not more than a half mile from Amboise is Chateau Le Clos Luce, a chateau built and designed by Leonardo da Vinci. He lived the last three years of his life here under Francois I's sponsorship. The rooms are filled with 40 models of Leonardo's inventions so you can marvel at his foresight and impressive mental powers 500 years earlier.
Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire
Constructed in the 15th century by Lord Amboise on the site of a 10th century feudal fortress, Chaumont commands incredible views of the Loire River Valley. It was later the home of both Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers of Chateau Chenonceau fame. Enjoy this chateau for its fortress feeling, drawbridge, tapestry, furnishings, and incredible vistas.
Whilst chateau hopping remember to take the time to visit some local wine cellars, for tasting or "degustation". Take the time to relax and enjoy your holiday.
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Corina Clemence has sinced written about articles on various topics from Places to Visit in, Loire Valley and Dating and Romance. Corina Clemence runs Chateau du Guerinet a luxury chateau near Blois, for up to fifteen people ideal for a french holiday with friends and family and for touring vineyards, historic castles and unwinding. The castle is also perfect for a fairytale french. Corina Clemence's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
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