A complete guide to the Château de Chambord in France

The Château de Chambord is known as one of the most representative buildings of the French Renaissance and is famous for its unique spiral staircase. The following is a detailed travel guide, covering transportation, attractions, and travel routes! 1. How to get there 1. Self-driving Directions: Paris → A10 highway (direction "Bordeaux") → exit "Chambord" (Exit 16) → follow the D112 road for about 10 minutes. Duration: about 2 hours (distance 180 km). Parking: Parking lot at the main entrance of the castle (charges about 6 Euros/day). It is recommended to arrive early during peak season. 2. Train + Bus/Taxi (option for those without a car) Route: Paris → Blois → Chambord: --Take the TER train from Paris Austerlitz, about 1.5 hours, or take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to "Blois-Chambord", about 1 hour. --Take the Navette Châteaux bus from Blois to Chambord: It runs in summer (April-September) and takes about 30 minutes (fewer buses, check the timetable in advance); or take a taxi, which takes about 30 minutes. 2. Must-see highlights & recommended routes 1. Highlights ①Double helix staircase: --Designed by Leonardo da Vinci, the two independent staircases intersect and spiral but never meet, an architectural wonder. ②Rooftop terrace: --From the top, you can overlook the castle's towers, chimneys and the surrounding 5,500 hectares of forest park. ③Francois I Suite: --Restore the king's bedroom from the 16th century. ④Castle Garden: --French geometric gardens, spring flowers and neatly manicured greenery create a postcard-like landscape. 2. Recommended tour routes ① Efficient Route (1.5 hours): Double Helix Staircase → François I Suite → Roof Terrace → Louis XIV Exhibition Hall → Exit. ②In-depth route (3 hours): Double helix staircase → François I Suite → 18th century theater → roof terrace → Louis XIV exhibition hall → Unfinished church → temporary exhibition area. 3. Recommended surrounding attractions ①Château de Blois: --20 minutes' drive from Chambord Castle, showing the architectural evolution from Gothic to Renaissance. ②Château de Chenonceau: --About an hour’s drive away, the “Ladies’ Castle” spans the Cher River and has a beautiful interior garden. ③Tours: --The central city of the Loire Valley, where you can taste local wines (such as Vouvray white wine). 3. Practical Information 1. Opening hours: --Peak season (April-October): 9:00-18:00 --Off-season (November-March): 9:00-17:00 --Closed days: January 1, December 25, March 20. 2. How to buy tickets: You can buy tickets on site or on online travel platforms or official websites. 3. Tips for attractions: --Double helix staircase Try walking up two separate stairs with your companions to experience the fun of "seeing but not touching". --The stained windows of the chapel in the François I suite project a salamander pattern in the sun. --On a sunny day, it is recommended to go to the rooftop in the morning or evening to avoid the strong sunlight at noon. 4. Notes: --Guidance tools: The free audio guide (in Chinese) highlights 20 must-see exhibits, with numbers corresponding to the signs on the wall. --Clothing: There are many stairs in the castle, so it is recommended to wear comfortable flat shoes. --Dining: There are two restaurants in the castle (light meals and full meals), or you can bring your own picnic and enjoy it in the garden. --Use of drones is prohibited and flash photography is prohibited indoors. --Accessibility: The elevator only goes to the second floor, and the roof terrace requires climbing stairs (about 200 steps). The magnificent views of Chambord are worth the trip! If you have enough time, it is recommended to plan a route to the highlights of the Loire Valley in combination with the surrounding castles (Blois, Chenonceau)!