The area around the Loire Valley is dotted with castles that were built between the 15th and 18th century. Originally they were constructed for defensive purposes, but later they became leisure places for the Fench nobility.

The Château de Chambord is the largest and most extravagant of these castles. Construction began in 1519 by King François I, but he died before it was completed 28 years later. Tax money was used to finance the project, which is replete with renaissance decorations.

In 1792, after the French revolution, many of the castle's furnishings were sold and some of its timber elements were removed. The castle was abandoned and during the 19th century, restoration efforts were made.

During WWII, some art from the Louvre in Paris, as well as from other castles, was moved to the Chambord Castle to prevent it from falling in the hands of the Germans. In 2016, the grounds around the castle flooded, when the River Cosson, breached its banks. The building itself remained unscathed.

The best view over the castle is from its terrace.