Loire Valley & Central France - Discover France: Experience the Best of France - page 365

Need to Know
VISIT May-early July & end Aug-Sep: weather is warm and crowds smaller
BEST HOUR 9am (opening): the light is often magical AUDIOGUIDE €4; 1½-
hour tour. See our author's review, Click here .
Chambord Don't Miss List
BY ELSA SAUVÉ, CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD
1 DOUBLE-HELIX STAIRCASE & ROOFTOP
The double-helix staircase that whisks visitors from the ground floor to the
rooftop keep is the highlight. This theatrical and majestic staircase is composed
of two open parallel flights wrapped around a hollow core, the magic being that
two people can see each other go up and down it without their paths ever cross-
ing. A magnificent view of the estate unfolds from the rooftop terraces, an unfor-
gettable place with its sculpted chimney and turrets, really a place of contempla-
tion and daydream.
2 THE 1ST FLOOR
Take time to explore the premier étage (1st floor), a historical panorama of the
inhabitants of Chambord from François I to Louis XIV and beyond into the 19th
century. In the apartments you can really see how château lifestyle evolved over
the centuries: all the furniture in Francois I was made to be dismantled and
transported with him from château to château.
3 SON ET LUMIÈRE
Every evening in July and August Chambord, Dream of Lights is projected on the
façade of the castle. The 50-minute sound-and-light show is a voyage through
time: It relives the construction of the chateau and the arrival of the court of the
king, the balls and banquets he threw. Through beautiful images, music and
dance, it very much tugs at the audience's senses and emotions.