The Chateau de Chambord is one of the most recognizable chateaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture - a blend of French medieval forms with classical Italian structures.  The building, which was never completed, was constructed by King Francois I in part to be near his mistress the Comtesse de Thoury, whose Chateau de Muides, was adjacent.

Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire Valley, but was built to serve only as a hunting lodge for the king.  The original design is attributed to Domenico da Cortona, but it was altered considerably during the 20 years of its construction (1519-1547).  Some also suggest that Leonardo  da Vinci, who was a guest of Francois at nearby Clos Luce was responsible for much of the design.

The structure is composed of a central keep with four immense bastion towers at the corners.  The keep also forms part of the front wall of a larger compound with two more large towers at the corners.  Bases for a possible further two towers are found at the rear, but these were never developed.  The sheer scale of the place is awe-inspiring - with 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 84 staircases.  It was never intended to provide any form of defense from enemies, so the walls, towers, and moat are purely decorative.

Chambord has a rooftop like no other in the world - with masses of chimneys and towers.  Francios I had wanted the roof to look like the skyline of Constantinople.  But the cold, drafty size of the Chateau made it unpopular as an actual residence.  Indeed, Francois I stayed there for less than 40 days in total.  The castle is surrounded by a 13,000 acre wooded park and game reserve red deer and wild boars roam freely.

In 1574 the castle was abandoned.  In 1793 French Revolutionaries considered demolishing the castle.  Instead, they just looted it.  In 1932 ownership of the castle is transferred to the French government.  In 1947-1977 the castle is renovated.