Free walking tours in Chambord and what to see

Must-sees

Chambord is a small village in the Loir-et-Cher department, between Blois and Orléans, that revolves around its château. Francis I had it built from 1519 as a hunting lodge, and the result is a mix of medieval fortress and Renaissance palace. At its centre is the famous double-helix staircase, with two flights that wind around each other without meeting, an idea often linked to Leonardo da Vinci.

Up top, the terraces let you see the roof up close, a forest of chimneys, lanterns and turrets, with views over the park. Inside you can tour furnished rooms, the royal apartments and rooms devoted to hunting. Outside, the formal French gardens have been restored to the original plans, and the Cosson canal runs in front of the façade. The whole estate is a great forest enclosed by a wall about 32 kilometres long, with paths for walking or cycling.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours at Chambord. The usual thing is to buy a ticket for the château and explore it on your own, with a leaflet or the monument’s own visitor resources. If you are staying in Tours, Blois or even Paris, another option is an organised trip to the Loire châteaux combining Chambord with Chenonceau or other châteaux in the valley.

How long to spend

Allow about three hours for the château, the terraces and the gardens. If you want to walk in the forest, hire a bike or a boat on the canal, or simply have a leisurely lunch, give it the whole day. Ideally, arrive first thing, before the groups. Chambord fits well into a multi-day Loire route with Blois, Cheverny or Chenonceau.

Where to stay

Inside the estate itself, next to the château, there are very few places to stay, but staying there lets you see Chambord without crowds at dusk and dawn. In nearby villages, such as Bracieux and those on the banks of the Loire, there are quiet guesthouses and country hotels. If you prefer a town with more choice, restaurants and trains, Blois is about twenty minutes’ drive away and is the most convenient base in the area.