The story of Chambord
King François I began Chambord in 1519 as a hunting lodge and a show of royal power, although he spent only a few weeks there. Its roofline is a forest of chimneys, towers and lanterns, like a small city on top of the château.
At its heart is the famous double-helix staircase, where two people can go up and down without meeting; many believe it was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, who lived nearby in Amboise. The walled estate around it covers about 5,400 hectares, the largest enclosed park in Europe.
