Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is the largest castle in the Loire Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1981. Built in 1519 by King François I as a hunting palace, it blends French medieval heritage with Italian Renaissance architecture. The structure features 426 rooms, 282 chimneys, and 77 staircases. It is ranked No. 1 in the region with a high visitor rating.

For the 2026 season, opening hours vary by period. From March 28 to October 25, the castle is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During low season (January 4 to March 27 and October 26 to December 18), hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The site is closed on January 1, December 25, and specific Mondays during low season. Admission is €31 for standard access to the château and French gardens, with a preferential rate of €21 for EEA nationals/residents. A recommended visit duration is 3 to 5 hours.

To avoid crowds, visitors are advised to arrive before 10:30 AM or after 3:30 PM, particularly on weekends. Weekdays outside of July–September school holidays offer a more relaxed experience. The address is 41250 Chambord, France. Contact for ticket inquiries is +33-2-54504000 or +33 (0)2 54 50 50 40. Special events in 2026 include concerts in June and a horse show from April to November. The gardens are particularly attractive during peak season from April to October. This historic landmark offers a comprehensive look at royal architecture and landscape design in the Loire Valley.