Chateau of Chambord in the Lorie Valley

After seeing the Chateau Chenonceau yesterday I really didn’t think it could get any better but then I saw Chambord.  It is said that Chambord is to architecture what the Mona Lisa is to art.  And surprisingly enough the Chateau bears the imprint of Leonardo da Vinci.   I could tell immediately that this would be my favorite of all the Chateaux.

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This Chateau was built in the early 1500’s purely for the pleasure and glory of the King.  The Chateau was used primarily as a hunting retreat for the King.  I found it interesting that the Kings would only visit the Chateau a couple of times out of the year and they would only stay for about three weeks at a time.  At times the Chateau would even be abandoned.

The massive ‘Grand double helix spiral staircase consists of two separate flights of stairs and was the conception of Leonardo.

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This is one of the Single Spiral Staircases that connects the outer Apartments.

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Although there is no furniture of the period left it was an architectural delight to explore.

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The French Gardens were absolutely beautiful and it took 20 miles of fencing to completely surround the Chateau.

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William and I both really enjoyed visiting this Chateau and hated to leave.  It was so peaceful just to be there on the grounds.  We found a lovely restaurant nearby where we could have lunch and still sit and view the Chateau before heading to Versailles.

 

2 Comments Add yours

  1. Melissa says:

    Really beautiful. It is a shame they couldn’t restore it. I bet it would have been something to see fully furnished. How does it compare to Biltmore?

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    1. All the furniture of the periods were sold off during war times. Chambord stands best showing off it’s design. I loved it Missy. By far my favorite Chateau.

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