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