Chateau Chambord

Our Longest trip is to Chambord . Almost 130 km we have to drive. But even the drive there is an experience for itself, especially the route from Tours. Tours itself is a little annoying because of the many construction sites. But after we have crossed the city, we always go along the Loire, on the right bank. The Loire is a really likable, wide river! It flows through green pastures. Small coves and sand bars offer a diverse picture. Sometimes small islands divide the river into several branches. The Loire is the longest and perhaps the most beautiful river in France.

The Loire near Chaumont

On the opposite side we see the town and castle of Amboise . A few kilometers further a small village stretches along the river bank. Over the village stands a castle, Chaumont sur Loire , as we read it later. In this castle Catherine de Medici banished the maitresse of Henry II, Diane de Poitier, from Chenonceau after the king died. On our side of the river a bigger town emerges: Blois . There is also a known royal castle , which we will visit briefly on the way back.

Amboise

Chaumont-sur-Loire

Blois

Here we cross the river and turn towards Chambord , which we reach after a long and inconvenient detour. On a perfectly straight road through the forest of Chambord (Reserve National de Chasse de Chambord), we come to the castle or on the big parking lots in front of the castle. Before the visit we take a small snack with a Croque Monsieur

Chambord Castle is probably the most magnificent chateau in France and certainly the largest of the Loire castles. Construction began in 1519. Builder was Francis I. It should primarily be a hunting and pleasure palace. But only under Louis XIV, the palace was really ready. Impressive is the general view of the castle with many turrets, gables and chimneys.

Aerial photo(this we haven't taken it!)

The double helix staircase

The axis for both staircases,

On the roof terrace you can see this view:
 the entrances to both stairs

A technical masterpiece is the famous double staircase in the center of the castle. Supposedly originated the design by Leonardo da Vinci. Two separate staircases lead adjacent to the three floors and the roof terrace.

On the ground floor we see a film - partially computer-animated- about the building history of the castle. On each floor there are four cross-shaped corridors. They lead to four huge halls and apartments. At the center of the cross are the two axes of the double helix staircase. In the 1st Floor is located in the North Tower the apartment Francis I. He could also be accessed via a separate staircase.

Everywhere you can find school
classes  in French monuments

The Chambre Royal -
bedroom Louis XIV

Staircase to the apartment
of Francis I.

The salamander and the letter F -
the signs of
Franzis I.

In the west tower is the Museum of the Count of Chambord (Henri d'Artois) accommodated. This count was the last private owner of the castle. Only 5 days he lived in this castle, because he had to live in exile for many years. He was also the last of the Bourbons, who should be crowned after the Franco-German War as Henry V. As we know, it's not happened.

The roof line of Chambord

The roof terrace is very impressive. A unique landscape of towers and chimneys greets us as we leave the staircase. Over the two staircases to the lantern, a cupola bulges exactly in the center of the castle. As everywhere in the castle we see here a class that is declared life in this castle. You can see far into the country from here. Endless forests are wide around the castle, formerly hunted in which, probably today.

Black clouds are approaching from the south. Previously, we had sun. Now we hurry and just before a thunderstorm we take refuge first in the East Wing, where the royal carriages are on display and then in the café.

A wide look at the landscape

A look from the terrace

All in all a great experience, this castle! More pompously is not possible. But, the castle is not suitable for living.