Commissioned by King François I in 1519 as a lavish hunting lodge, the Chambord Castle was and continues to remain a testament to France’s royal history. Over the centuries, it has witnessed pivotal moments in French history, from its role as a hunting lodge to a royal residence to its restoration in the 19th century. Today, it is one of the most iconic and historically significant castles in the Loire Valley.
1519–François I orders the construction of the Chambord Castle as a royal hunting lodge in the vast Sologne forest, combining the elements of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
1520-1547–Construction begins under architect Demonico da Cortona, with a grand design meant to impress the royals and visiting dignitaries.
1547–With François I's death, the castle’s core structure is completed under his successors (Henry II and Francis II), with minor changes to the original design.
1576–After years of remaining a hunting lodge, King Henry III (grandson of King Henry II) transforms Chambord Castle into his royal residence by fine-tuning the interiors with finer details.
17th century–Under successive monarchs, the castle undergoes several modifications, with each adding their own influence. Primarily, the castle remains a hunting lodge.
18th century–Due to neglect, Chambord’s importance diminishes, and the castle falls into despair.
French Revolution (1789)–The castle is looted and left in a dilapidated state–the royal establishment is entirely diminished.
1981–The castle receives UNESCO World Heritage status, recognized for its immense cultural and historical value.
Today–It stands as one of France’s most iconic landmarks, drawing millions of visitors annually to explore its history, architecture, and landscaped estate.
Today, it serves as both a historical monument and a venue for events, exhibitions, and cultural activities. Visitors can tour the royal apartments, enjoy the gardens, and learn about the Renaissance architecture that makes Chambord unique. It continues to be an essential destination for anyone interested in French history and architecture.
The exact architect of Chambord Castle remains unknown, but it’s widely believed that Leonardo da Vinci influenced the design, especially the famous double helix staircase.
Francis I built Chambord as a grand hunting retreat, but its sheer size and lack of comfort made it impractical for regular stays. Over time, kings visited only occasionally, and the castle was rarely furnished or heated, which led it to serve more as a royal showpiece than an actual lodge.
Each monarch left a mark. Francis I laid the foundation, Louis XIV added a stable wing and hosted lavish events here, and the Duke of Bordeaux (Henri V) made preservation efforts. Some unfinished areas were completed, while others remained untouched.
Not permanently. While Francis I and later Louis XIV visited Chambord, it was never a royal home in the traditional sense. It was more of a seasonal retreat used for hosting, hunting, and entertaining, not for daily royal life.
Yes, it did. During World War II, the castle became a safe haven for priceless artworks from the Louvre, including the Mona Lisa. Its remote location made it an ideal storage site to protect national treasures from bombings and looting.
After the monarchy fell, the castle changed hands several times. It was neglected for a while, used by the military, and even gifted to foreign dignitaries. Eventually, the French state took over, restoring it and opening it to the public as a national heritage site.
No, it is not inhabited. It functions as a historical monument open to the public. While it includes furnished rooms and staged interiors, no one lives there. It’s maintained by a public organization dedicated to preserving its heritage and grounds.
It was added to the UNESCO list in 1981 for its architectural innovation, especially its Renaissance blend of French and Italian styles—a unique example of cultural fusion during the Renaissance period.
Chambord Castle & Gardens Tickets
Combo: Chambord + 1 Loire Valley Castle
Combo (Save 5%): Chambord + 2 Loire Valley Castles
From Paris: Chambord & Chenonceau Guided Tour
From Tours or Amboise: Chambord and Chenonceau Castle Day Tour with Optional Lunch