Chambord Castle

Chambord, one of the most stunning Renaissance constructions. The château, conceived by Francis I and Leonardo da Vinci, remains an enigma that continues to reveal its secrets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, Chambord also boasts the largest walled park in Europe, as vast as Paris within its city limits. Don't miss: the double-helix staircase, Francis I's residence and furnished apartments, the panoramic terraces, and the formal French gardens. Chambord offers a wide range of activities where everyone can explore the château, the formal gardens, the stables, the kitchen gardens, the vineyards, and the grounds at their own pace: visit the château with a HistoPad (digital tablet) or a guided tour; "Le Logis des enfants" (Children's Lodge), a free-access play area for families; workshops and family tours; an equestrian show directed by Mario Luraschi; bike rides, buggy rides, or electric boat trips; and visits to the reserve in an all-terrain vehicle within the grounds to encounter deer, wild boar, and more. Footpaths and cycle tracks are available; a map is available free of charge at the information points. And don't forget the annual events: heritage and contemporary art exhibitions, Chambord in Music (Chambord Live, the Chambord Festival, Les Étoiles au château by Hugo Marchand for dance), Christmas at Chambord, and more. In 2026, the château will be open every day of the year except January 1st and December 25th. The château will also be closed to the public on the following Mondays: February 2nd, and March 9th, 16th, and 23rd, 2026. From January 4th to March 27th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; last entry 4:30 PM. From March 28th to October 25th: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; last entry 5:30 PM. From October 26th to December 18th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; last entry 4:30 PM. From December 19th, 2026 to January 2nd, 2027: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; last entry 5:30 PM. The château closes at 4:00 PM on December 24th and 31st. The formal gardens close half an hour before the château. The park is open to the public year-round, every day. Café d'Orléans (café-restaurant) is located in the château courtyard, and Autour du Puits (café-snack bar) is located near the château.