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.
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| Château de Chambord |
The Double-Helix Staircase
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| The Double-Helix Staircase |
1st Floor Apartments
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| Window Overlooking the Gardens |
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| The King's Ceremonial Bedchamber |
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| The Queen's Bedroom |
2nd Floor Vaulted Rooms
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| Emblem of King François I: The Salamander |
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| Salamander Carved into a Door |
The Terraces
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| View from the Terrace |
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| French Formal Gardens |
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| Spires and Chimney Stacks on the Terrace |
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| 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.
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| 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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