CHATEAU DE CHAMBORD

The Château de Chambord is one of the most widely recognised of the Loire Chateau with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture which, in the 16th century, blended French medieval design with classical Renaissance structures. The chateau which was constructed by King Francis 1 of France as a hunting lodge is surrounded by 13,000 acres of wooded park which is a game reserve.  The chateau is most noted for its extraordinary roofscape and open double-spiral staircase.

www.chambord.org

FRENCH RENAISSANCE

By the 16th century chateaux design had moved from defensive to display and Chambord is such an example which while retaining features such as a keep, corner towers defended by a moat, the architecture is designed to demonstrate wealth and power rather than deliver security.  The inner keep has the double-spiral staircase which is the center piece of the chateau. Around the staircase are sets of four reception rooms including the lavish Louis XIV’s ceremonial bedroom seen below.