This 16th-century masterpiece feels more like a fairytale fortress than a royal hunting lodge. Set deep in the forests of the Loire Valley, Chateau de Chambord is one of France’s most iconic and imaginative castles.

Commissioned by King Francis I, Chambord was built to impress. Its double-helix staircase, often linked to Leonardo da Vinci, lets two people ascend and descend without ever meeting. Above, the rooftop terrace is a maze of towers and chimneys, offering sweeping views of the parkland that surrounds the estate.

This place boasts over 400 rooms, vaulted ceilings and embellished halls, where exhibitions and restored rooms shine a light what life was like for the royalty who lived here.

Whether you're wandering through draped corridors, climbing the rooftop for views, or exploring the woodland trails beyond the moat, Chambord invites you soak up its Medieval vibes. It’s not just a castle to admire from afar, but one to experience up close. A place where history feels alive and every corner holds a story.