The Chambord Chateau

#79 - Paris, France

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The Chateau du Chambord is the most distinct symbol of French architecture one can find. It was never completed but its purpose is well known. King Francois I constructed it to be near his mistress the Comtesse de Thoury, Claude Rohan. There are an impressive 84 staircases, 365 fireplaces and 440 rooms! You can only imagine what went on within those walls – that's why you need to check it out for yourself. Our #79 AbsoluteVisit is a symbol of history and architecture and a French love affair.

Slide 1: Chambord Chateau Double Helix staircase

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Slide 2: Chambord Chateau North facade water

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Slide 3: Chambord Chateau North facade water suns

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Slide 4: Chambord Chateau South facade patio

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Slide 5: Chambord Chateau night North facade

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Slide 6: Chambord Chateau roofline

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Slide 7: Chambord Chateau roofline steeples

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Quick Facts & History

Located in Chambord, France, this famous manor house was built by King Francois I so that he could both be near his mistress.
The Chateau is the largest castle in the Loire Valley. It is 6 times larger than most castles, featuring 440 rooms (80 of which are available to the public), 365 fireplaces (one for each day of the year!), 13 staircases, enough stables to hold 1200 horses, and took 1800 men to complete.
Another purpose of the manor was for the King to use as a hunting retreat; for this reason, it was placed within the largest enclosed forest park in all of Europe, sectioned off by a 20-mile (32 km) long wall.
Due to its hunting purpose, the castle was designed specifically to maximize hunting success; the top floor was designed to be a hunting viewing terrace, the third floor a hunting museum, and the many fireplaces were likely to be a remedy to the fact that hunting was best in the winter.