Chamord Castle in France

Despite its lavish construction and extensive forest grounds, Chamord Castle in France was rarely used as anything more than a weekend retreat by French monarchs—some neglected it entirely, preferring to stay in Paris or Versailles. Louis XIV, the Sun King, was one king who did enjoy the beauty of Chambord; he regularly used it as a retreat from the court at Versailles and once had the French playright Moliere perform in the chateau.

Chambord Castle left the possession of the French crown in 1745, when Louis XV gave it to the Maurice de Saxe to reward his victory over the English during the War of Austrian Succession. Chambord sat empty until the French Revolution and the furnishings and even the wall panelings were auctioned by the Revolutionary government in 1792. Attempts were made at restoration by the self-styled Comte de Chambord in the 19th century, but Chambord Castle was used as a military hospital in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) and was again abandoned in 1883.

Like many other famous French castles, Chambord Castle in France is now owned by the government, which began restoration work after the end of World War II. The over 400 rooms are now filled with old regime furnishings, a hunting museum, and other exhibits, some of which are not concerned with the château. Visitors can explore through 3,000 acres of the 13,000 acre forest: look out for a chance spotting of wild boar, European deer, or other game. Chambord Castle in France is open daily year-round, from 9 am until 6:15 pm (5:15 pm in winter). Admission is about $15 each. The surrounding area is home to many quality camping sites and hotels, including the Château de Colliers, a restored château-hotel in nearby Muides-sur-Loire.