Château de Chambord is a Feast for the Eyes
Château de Chambord, oh how I love your architectural design! This Loire Valley château was started in 1510 by François I upon his return from Milan. Thus, it is strongly influence by Italian Renaissance architectural style.
Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord was intended as a hunting lodge but with 77 staircases, 426 rooms and 282 fireplaces it is a truly extravagant chateau. Climb to the very top where you can see the towers up close and look down on the jousting fields.
In the center of Chambord is my favorite feature, the double helix staircase. The steps measure 8 feet wide on each staircase. The design ensured both the King and Queen could descend their own staircase and yet be able to see each other through the openings. I have no trouble at all picturing them elegantly descending this set of stairs.
Double Helix Staircase
I invite you to ascend these magnificent steps with me!
And now, we will return to the ground level.
When you reach the second floor hallways be sure to look up. One of the important features of the Château de Chambord are the architectural carvings in the vaulted ceilings as you will soon see!
Look for the F and the Salamanders
Look for the letter F, for François I, and his emblem the salamander. He left his mark, the salamander, on the buildings that he had constructed or that he modified.
I’ve been told that there are more than 800 different salamanders on the ceiling of the main hall, but I have yet to find a book to document the information.
Regardless, there are an incredible quantity of salamanders carved in stone and one could totally miss the rest of the beautiful architecture if you concentrated only on the salamanders.
Chambord Salamander
Chambord Salamanders
Arrive Early
Best advice….. arrive early! Everyone loves this chateau. I’ve been lucky to visit several times now. The best visit was when we arrived at the opening hour. We had the place to ourselves. Well, not exactly to ourselves but it was much better than the time we arrived after lunch! Sight see-ers were elbow to elbow!
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