March 23, 2021

Château de Chambord

King François I built a huge Renaissance palace as his country getaway in the Loire Valley. From its humble origins as a hunting lodge, Château de Chambord became a symbol of the French king's power. Today the palace sits within the largest enclosed park in Europe, a forested domain that is home to deer and wild boar. Here's a peek inside the imposing château, from the double-helix staircase thought to have been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci to the carvings of the monarch's personal emblem, the salamander.


Château de Chambord


The Double-Helix Staircase


The Double-Helix Staircase






1st Floor Apartments


Window Overlooking the Gardens



The King's Ceremonial Bedchamber



The Queen's Bedroom



2nd Floor Vaulted Rooms


Emblem of King François I: The Salamander



Salamander Carved into a Door



The Terraces


View from the Terrace



French Formal Gardens



Spires and Chimney Stacks on the Terrace



Lantern Tower



Chambord liqueur was inspired by a raspberry beverage that was produced for French royalty to commemorate their visits to the Loire Valley. I sampled the fruity liqueur in one of the château's gift shops but waited until I returned home to buy a bottle.


Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur



For more information about the château, visit the Domaine national de Chambord website.


Next: Château de Chenonceau


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