Chambord Castle
The Loire region is an absolute must-have on any list of the most illustrious castles in France. The Château de Chambord is among the most notable of all the castles that can be found here. Its creation, credited to the aforementioned King Francis I, involved a large number of significant Renaissance artists. The biggest castle in the Loire Valley is Château de Chambord. Despite being only two hours from Paris, it feels incredibly remote because it is surrounded by forests that are home to wild boar and deer. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge for Francis I, the enormous estate has a footprint the size of the French capital.
The original architect is unknown, but it is said that the building was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's sketches and is regarded as one of France's finest Renaissance structures. Though it is best known for its breathtaking exterior, the castle's interior is equally impressive and completely unique, with an undeniable Italian flair. One of its most notable features is the double helix staircase that dominates the center of the keep.
The apartments of Louis XIV, the legendary sun king, are not to be missed inside the castle. It's also worth seeing the Royal Chapel and the beautiful French-style gardens.
The public is welcome to visit this magnificent castle, which is now included in the Loire Valley's list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend some time in the visitor village near the parking lot to explore, sample some regional wines, and enjoy a snack while admiring the view of this breathtaking location.
Location: Chambord, Centre Val de Loire
