Château de Chambord

An army of spires atop the Chateau de Chambord's enormous structure vie for attention, while the chateau itself reflects its splendor-filled charm in the decorative moat below. A truly remarkable example of mixed architectural styles that span French Renaissance, medieval and Classical elements, the Chateau de Chambord is deemed as the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. When viewed against the sun, the dramatic silhouette of the chateau seems to go on forever, as if to contain the bevy of architectural embellishments within its imposing facade. Built at the behest of King Francis I of France in the 16th Century, the Chateau de Chambord was constructed over a period of 28 years, and its designs reflected the distinct styles of Italian architect Domenico da Cortona and Leonardo da Vinci. The fortress consists of 440 rooms, 335 fireplaces, and 12 staircases, all sprawled over an area of 15,850.6 square meters (200,000 square feet), of which the double helix staircase and vaulted hallways prominently stand out. Born of the combined brilliance of celebrated artists of the time and a unique architectural style, the Chateau de Chambord unfolds like an enigma in the thick of France's rural scenery.