The Chambord estate was the property of differents families in the 10th century : the counts of Blois, Champagne and Chatillon. It was acquired by the duke Louis of Orleans in 1492. When he accessed the throne, as Louis 11th , in 1498, the estate becomes the property of the crown.
After him, the Chateau will go to his cousin Francis 1st. He is the one that ordered the major work on the castle, to be able to have a beautiful hunting estate. In 1526, more than 1800 workers were required.
The chateau is today one of the master pieces of the renaissance period in the Loire Valley. It is one of the most visited. It is admirable overall for its central staircase with a double helix : Magnificent staircase to access the different floors. This type of stairway, normally of medieval conception, distinguishes itself by it's original two separate ramps with many openings along the corridors.
Finally, at the top of the steps, the great roof terrace offers a breath taking vue not only of the chateaux ornaments but also of the 5500 hectares of grounds.