Chambord castle is one of the Renaissance’s most amazing constructions. Built to glorify Francis I in 1519. Chambord is an architectural utopia; a harmonious whole of residence, castle and hunting lodge. Its history is unique. In the 16th & 17th centuries Henri II and Louis XIV and their courts came to stay. Later in the 18th century it became a private estate of Henri, Count of Chamborg. It was later owned by the state and preserved as a jewel of the French Renaissance.
There are 400 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 chimneys, it’s 56 meters high and over 500 years old.
It was MASSIF 🇫🇷 and the grounds would take days to explore. We had plans…
Then sometimes plan B causes us to slam on the breaks, find a place to pull over so I can walk across a farm field to see my favorite happy sunflowers 🌻. I love them!!!
I could’ve stayed ALL day but Chenonceau and Jeff were waiting.
The château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river. The bridge over the river was built (1556–1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l’Orme.
The pathway was lined with beautiful sycamore trees creating a lovely shaded canopy.
It’s our last day in the Loire Valley. We only scratched the surface but truly loved this region of France.
Our hosts told us about Shakers, a scrumptious tapas restaurant on the River.
We beat the rush (because the Europeans eat dinner at 8:00 or later) and we had Tiger Prawns, Pork and a scrumptious Chicken dish. We wolfed down the first two and only slowed enough to share this…
A view from our table, a magical place Amboise France
Tomorrow it’s a long drive to return the rental car, one sleep, then on to Luxembourg, our 8th country.
