Get skip-the-line to Ticket Counter entry to Château de Chambord, one of the most remarkable châteaux in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Built from 1519 on the orders of François I, Chambord embodies the spirit of the Renaissance — its legendary architecture is imbued with the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, most notably in the iconic double-helix staircase: two staircases spiralling around the same axis without ever crossing, leading from the ground floor up to the castle's spectacular terraces and Lantern Tower.

Inside, explore 400 rooms, more than 80 staircases, 365 fireplaces, and an exceptional number of towers, high ceilings, pointed domes, and graceful pinnacles. The château has witnessed some of history's most memorable moments — Louis XIV held court here, and Molière premiered Le Bourgeois gentilhomme in the castle's presence in 1670. During World War II, Chambord served as a refuge for thousands of works of art evacuated from the Louvre and other Parisian museums, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Delacroix's Liberty Guiding the People.

Your visit extends well beyond the château's walls. Wander through the restored 18th-century kitchens, stroll through the French formal gardens, and explore the Grand Promenade across the estate's 5,000-hectare grounds. Discover the Ormetrou vineyards, the permaculture vegetable gardens, and the Maréchal de Saxe's stables — each a unique layer of Chambord's rich and varied history. Throughout the year, temporary exhibitions and a rich programme of cultural events bring new perspectives to this extraordinary place.

To learn more about the castle's history and architecture, watch a 20-minute film (translated into English, Italian, Spanish, and German), or grab the free visitor guide.