Château de Chambord
A King’s Hunting Lodge
Situated about 17.5km/11m east of Blois in the Loir-et-Cher Département, Chambord Château is a blend of the Medieval and the Renaissance architectural styles, designed by Domenico da Cortona, with possible input from Leonardo da Vinci, for King François I as a Hunting Lodge.
Building comenced in 1519 and while Phillibert Delorme, Jean Bullant and later François Mansart all contributed it was never fully completed although it is the largest, and indeed the most recognisable, château in the Loire Valley.
Undamaged during the Revolution some furnishings were lost but the beautiful grounds are extensive and the park is surrounded by a 32km/19.8m wall. While visiting the Château you can also enjoy the extensive walking paths around the estate and the canal.