Rick Steves Thinks This Massive Castle In France Feels More Like A City

Rick Steves has gained international recognition for his savvy tips about traveling in Europe, covering everything from how to outsmart pickpockets to how to eat like a local. He also offers in-depth advice about each European country, including France. One of France's dreamiest corners, the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, is a favorite of Steves', as he describes on his website: "allow space in your itinerary to enjoy the Loire's fruity wines, deliciously fresh cuisine, and gentle countryside that make it one of France's most appealing regions." The travel guru also lauds the many castles in the Loire, which is known as the "Valley of a Thousand Châteaux." While the actual number is closer to 300 (visitors are certainly spoiled for choice!), there is one that stands out: the Château de Chambord. 

The Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley, with Steves reporting that it's "six times the size of your average Loire palace, more like a city than a château." With 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, Chambord is certainly large enough to be its own little city! And that doesn't even include the surrounding land: Chambord is encircled by the largest walled forest park in Europe, which covers approximately the same amount of land as Paris – the city comparisons make sense yet again. The sheer size, along with ornate stonework, fanciful turrets, and gorgeous grounds, make Château de Chambord one of Europe's most spectacular fairy tale castles. 

The Château de Chambord was first built in 1519 as a hunting lodge for the court of François I. This was no humble getaway: The king wanted expansive grounds full of wildlife, in addition to a masterpiece emblematic of his reign. Today, Chambord remains a magnificent example of French Renaissance architecture.

While only around 80 of the 440 rooms are currently open to the public, that's more than enough to live out your fairy tale dreams. (You wouldn't be the only one — Walt Disney is said to have been inspired by Chambord when developing the castle in "Beauty and the Beast.") Highlights include the double-helix staircase, the "magic staircase" of Chambord rumored to have been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, and the Galerie des Trophées full of antlers (this was once a hunting lodge, after all). As you wander, taking in the lovely coffered ceilings and ornate design, keep an eye out for salamanders scattered throughout — a symbol of François I. Rick Steves also says that if you want "to see what happens when you put 365 fireplaces in your house, climb up to the rooftop and wander through a forest of chimney spires." You'll feel as if you're walking directly on a city skyline.

While you can explore the castle at your leisure (about $36 per ticket, as of this writing), consider an hour-long castle tour (in English), which occurs seasonally from July to August, for an additional fee. Leave time in your visit to explore the expansive grounds, including the French Formal Gardens, to take full advantage of one of France's best destinations for taking beautiful pictures. For the most classic view of the castle, cross the moat in front and turn right. 

Château de Chambord is about 30 minutes outside of the regional hub of Blois by car, with direct trains to Paris (approximately one to two hours). It's possible to rent a car at the Blois-Chambord train station, or take a bus that goes directly to the castle — look for "Rémi line 2" just outside of the depot. One of Rick Steves' favorite ways to traverse the Loire, however, is by bicycle. He notes on his website that Blois is "well-positioned as a starting point for biking forays into the countryside" and that the Blois-to-Chambord route is a "level, one-hour, one-way ride along a well-marked, 10-mile route, much of it a bike-only lane that follows the river."

Biking also lets you truly appreciate some of the stunning tourist attractions within the Loire Valley. Known as the "Garden of France" thanks to its long history of bounty, the Loire is teeming with picturesque vineyards, fruitful orchards, and charming riverside villages. One such village is Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, once the port of the Château de Chambord, where building supplies were sent for the massive edifice. Now, the quaint Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire is ideal for river cruises on traditional boats and exploring the 13th-century ramparts. 

While it's doable to visit the Château de Chambord in a day trip from Paris, consider dedicating more time in the Loire. Base yourself in Blois or the larger hamlet of Tours (1.5 hours from Paris), and spend your days at gardens, wineries, or other châteaux — the Château de Chenonceau is known for its graceful arches built over water. At wine o'clock, head to one of the many wineries along the "vins de Loire" wine route.