Chateau de Chambord

Upon arrival at this chateau, you are immediately impressed with it's size and the intricacy of the rooftop.  This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.  It was built by King Francois I as a hunting lodge while he lived in Blois and Amboise. 

During the reign of the King, the rooftop chimneys were painted in gold and a deep royal blue.  The chateau was never completely finished, but it is so imposing and dramatic just the way it is.

There is a stunning balcony where you can walk among the turrets and admire the views.

Francois I wanted the rooftop to look like the skyline of Constantinople. 

During WWII, the Louvre hid paintings here from the Germans for safe keeping.  The Germans were confiscating all private collections of art from private citizens such as the Rothchilds, and stealing from the museums.  Hitler wanted to create his own museum with all the art from all over Europe, put many of his generals kept priceless works of art for themselves.

These impressions are from a vaulted, barrel ceiling in which these symbols cover the entire surface.

Many of the chimneys have been taken down and are in the process of being refurbished as shown here in this room.

The chateau boasts a double helix staircase in which there are two entrances on each floor on opposite sides.  Two people can walk the staircase at the same time and never meet, but see each other through windows in the middle of the staircase.  

The Chateau was ransacked during the revolution and all the furniture was burned or stolen.  It was one of our favorite chateaus.  It was well organized, great parking, nice little cafes (I had the best tuna sandwich there) and great bathrooms.