Chambord, built in 1519 by François I, was
essentially a hunting lodge, but what a hunting lodge it was with its 440 rooms, 365
chimneys and 5,500 acres of hunting grounds. Inside you can visit the impressive double
helix staircase created by Leonardo da Vinci, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, the
chapel, and the rooms of the king and queen, not to mention others. The park, a wildlife
reserve is home to many deer and wild boar. There are bike paths and picnic areas. In the
summer there is also an equestrian show as well as a sound and light show. This is a
castle not to be missed!
