Dossier de presse - Chambord : Royal dream, majestic reality

Chambord
le rêve royal, grandeur nature*
*Royal dream, majestic reality
www.chambord.org

CONTENTS
Chambord, a work of genius,
is a French Renaissance
emblem throughout Europe
and across the world. Less
than two hours south of Paris,
the largest Loire château
welcomes the public in the
heart of Europe’s most vast
park. The domain stretches
across 5,440 hectares and is
enclosed by a 32-kilometre
wall. Included in the first list
of historical monuments in
1840, it has been on UNESCO’s
World Heritage list since 1981.
Made an Établissement
Public à caractère Industriel
et Commercial – EPIC (Public
Entity of an industrial and
commercial nature) in 2005,
the National Domain of
Chambord is placed under
the overall protection of the
President of the Republic and
incorporates the Château of
Chambord, the entire village
and the forest.
The Château 03
History
Château highlights
Visiting the Château 04
Planning your visit
Introductory film
Audio-guided or Video-guided visits
Guided visits
For children
Activities around the Château 05
Equestrian show
Carriage rides
Rowing boat, motor boat and bike hire
4x4 Park visits
Hear the Deer Call
Pedestrian and bike paths
Cultural events 07
Temporary exhibitions
Music
Writers at Chambord
Performing arts
Chambord Festival
Facilities 11
Holiday cottages
Group deals
On-site food outlets
Event hire options
Shop
2014 Improvement projects 13
efurnishing
Chambord in the digital age
Works
Scientific programme
Strategic plan 17
Objectives
Key 2013 figures 18
Practical information 19
02 PRESS PACK DOSSIER - NATIONAL DOMAIN OF CHAMBORD

The Château
History
1519. A palace rises up from Sologne’s marshy
land, its construction ordered by the young king
François 1er. The Château of Chambord was not
designed as a permanent residence, in fact François
1er spent mere weeks here. It is a true architectural
work of art that the king liked to show off to
sovereigns and ambassadors as a demonstration
of his power set in stone. Although François 1er
did not complete the château, it is one of the rare
buildings to have survived to our times without
significant modifications to its original design.
The château’s layout and décor were designed
around a central axis – the famous double-helix
staircase. This ascending spiral leading up to the
many sculpted chimneys and capitals that adorn
the upper part of the château, was quite possibly
inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.
A completed building
It was not until Louis XIV’s reign that the building
was finally finished. Jules Hardouin-Mansart was
tasked with the project, and he finished the West
Wing as well as the lower part of the enclosure.
The château’s surrounding buildings were also
built at this time. Stables were erected outside the
château, and the Cosson river that crosses the
park was partly diverted to provide sanitation
for the site. The Sun King, accompanied by
his court, stayed in the monument on several
occasions. These visits involved huge hunts and
entertainment.
Aerial view of Chambord © Léonard de Serres – National Domain of Chambord
18th century improvement works
By the 18th century the château was no longer a
place that welcomed royal visitors, and works
undertaken mainly focused on improving its
interior. The need for warmth and comfort in
the building motivated successive occupants
to permanently furnish the château and install
wooden panelling, parquet floors, false ceilings
and small bathrooms in the apartments.
Since 1930, the Château and the Domain park
have belonged to the State.
Château highlights
The double-helix staircase is the château’s most
remarkable architectural feature – two people
can use it without passing although they can see
each other.
The terraces offer impressive views. As well as the
360° panorama across the château surroundings
and Chambord’s park, they give the impression of
being in the heart of a celestial village, composed
of roofs, chimneys and turrets.
The collections – the château houses a rich
selection of paintings, tapestries, furniture and
objets d’art.
François 1er’s apartments on the first floor of the
royal wing – comprising a bedroom, small private
antechambers and an oratory with a remarkable
sculpted, vaulted coffered ceiling.
PRESS PACK DOSSIER - NATIONAL DOMAIN OF CHAMBORD03

Visiting the Château
Planning your visit
A free visitor guide highlighting key points
is available in 13 languages: French, English,
German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese,
Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Polish, Hungarian,
Romanian.
In addition to this, informative panels in the
château’s rooms place the works on show in a
general historical context.
Introductory film
To highlight the key points of Chambord’s
history and architecture, an 18-minute film of
collated images, translated into 4 languages, runs
continuously in one of the ground-floor rooms.
Languages: English, German, Italian and Spanish
Audio-guided or
Video-guided visits
Audio-guides
Audio-guides provide commentary on the
history, architecture and daily life in different
areas of the monument.
Available in 12 languages, in adult and child
versions: French, English, German, Italian,
Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese,
Russian, Korean and Polish.
Prices: $5/$2.50 for ages 6 to 12
Video-guides
Video-guides offer an expanded version of the
audio-guide, with multimedia content (images,
sounds and videos).
Available for adults in 12 languages: French,
English, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish,
Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Korean
and Polish.
Price: $6
Guided visits
Discovery visit (1 hour)
Accompanied by a guide, visitors head off to
discover the monument’s highlights (cruciform
chamber, double-helix staircase, terraces).
Duration: 1 hour. In French. Every day.
Prices: $5 per adult/$3 from age 6 to 17
(in addition to entrance ticket).
Behind closed doors visit (2 hours)
Discover the monument in places not normally
open to the public (mezzanines, structure, hidden
staircases...) and take the time to explore the
château’s incredible architecture, a jewel of
Renaissance art.
Every day.
Lasts 2 hours. In French. Every day.
(in addition to entrance ticket)
In-depth visit (3 hours)
A lecturer accompanies the public for a complete
architectural visit of the monument in small
groups.
Duration: 3 hours. Groups limited to
18 people. In French. Weekends and holidays
at 2pm.
Prices: $11 per person (in addition to entrance
ticket)
Information 00 +33 (0)2 54 50 40 00
Reservations 00 +33(0)2 54 50 50 40
reservations@chambord.org
Louis XIV’s parade room © Guillaume Perrin - National Domain of Chambord
© Guillaume Perrin

Activities around the château
For children
Cassandra the Salamander’s Book of
Puzzles
Cassandra the Salamander and her book of
puzzles becomes the children’s guide, inviting
them to observe, read, find, count and write
as they discover the château. By completing
the eight challenges, children will uncover
Cassandra’s mystery word and then win a prize
in the shop. An original and fun way to enjoy a
family visit to the château.
For children from age 8 to 12, with their families.
Price: $3
Fun visit (1hr30)
Chambord’s story is told to children by a
character from the past, who has witnessed
the great moments in the château’s history. An
interactive and fun journey of discovery to enjoy
with their family.
Visit recommended for children from age 5 to
10, accompanied by their parents.
Duration: 1hr30. Group limited to 30 people.
In French.
Visit offered during school holidays and on
certain weekends.
Prices: $6 per adult/$3.50 from age 6 to 17
(in addition to entrance ticket).
Information 00 +33 (0)2 54 50 40 00
Reservations 00 +33(0)2 54 50 50 40
Educational activities
Workshops in the château and/or the forest are
available for school parties.
Brochure available upon request at service.
educatif@chambord.org
The Domain of Chambord, entirely enclosed by
a wall, stretches across 5,440 hectares – the same
size as the part of Paris within the old city walls!
It is Europe’s largest walled forest park.
Its history is intimately linked to hunting with
hounds. The Blois Counts, François 1er and his
successors, made the most of its abundance of
game and organised large hunts for big and small
game. However, François 1er’s great desire was
to create at Chambord something more than a
simple hunting estate. He wanted a domain fit
for a king, a sumptuous residence set against a
backdrop of verdant green.
Carriage ride © Ludovic Letot
Fun visit © Léonard de Serres

Almost 1,000 hectares of Chambord’s park are
open to the public. This part of the domain,
accessible to all, includes cycle paths, hiking
routes, observatories. Bikes can be hired on
site to explore the park. Rowing boats and
motorboats are also available to hire for a trip
along the canal that borders the château.
Equestrian show
From 1st May to 28th September
The equestrian show, in the heart of the Maréchal
de Saxe stables, tell the story of Chambord’s
history and conquest over five centuries, from
François Ier’s reign to the Romantic Era. It is a
show for all, mixing dressage, acrobatics, stunt
riding and combat.
Every day except Monday (and continuously
from 15th July to 15th August). Two shows a
day, morning and afternoon (11.45am and 4pm).
Duration: 45 minutes. Reservation
recommended.
Joint château + equestrian show ticket: $20
Carriage rides
From 12th April to 28th September
Carriage rides with a coachman take visitors
into the private part of the domain to discover
flora and fauna, and enjoy exceptional views of
the château.
Groups limited to 16 people.
Duration: 45 minutes. Reservation
recommended.
Joint château + carriage ride ticket: $20
Rowing boat, motor boat and bike hire
From April to September
Rowing boat, motor boat, bicycle and quadracycle
hire opposite the château - discover Chambord at
your own pace. All prices on www.chambord.org
4x4 park visits
In small groups, a forest guide drives visitors in
an all-terrain vehicle and offers an introduction
to discovering flora and fauna in a protected
natural environment.
High season: up to 6 trips daily.
Low season: up to 3 trips daily. Groups limited
to 8 people. Duration: 1hr30. Minimum age
requirement: 3 years old
Prices: Adults $18/$12 from age 6 to 17.
In French.
Hear the Deer Call
From mid-September to mid-October
During the stags’ mating season, hear their
“mating call” – the ideal time to observe these
kings of the forest. Activity takes place in a
watchtower in an area closed to the public.
Groups limited to 16 people. Duration: 3hr.
Minimum age required: 12 years old
Reservation recommended. Price: $35
To reserve call 00 +33 (0)2 54 50 50 40
or email reservations@chambord.org
Pedestrian and cycle paths
The public can discover the passing seasons in
the heart of the 700 hectares of forest and many
kilometres of paths that are freely accessible all
year round.
A complimentary map (available at the ticket
office) lists the pedestrian and cycle paths.
Equestrian show © Ludovic Letot
Forest visit © Léonard de Serres

Cultural events
Temporary exhibitions*
Babel Empire, Du Zhenjun at Chambord
From 23rd March to 26th April
As part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary
of France’s recognition of the People’s Republic
of China, the artist Du Zhenjun will exhibit a
plastic arts reflection on architecture and the
masses, which is particularly significant at
Chambord. Du Zhenjun works in a singular
fashion, transposing the Tower of Babel myth
to the present day on large-scale photographs,
in a tragic vision of the modern world.
Harcourt: From De Gaulle to Fan Bingbing
From 23rd March to 27th April
As part of the 50th anniversary of France’s
recognition of the People’s Republic of China,
Chambord is hosting a photography exhibition
‘De Gaulle to Fan Bingbing’ – 50 years of Franco-
Chinese artistic relations.
50 personalities from Chinese culture,
immortalised by the Parisian photographic
experts Studio Harcourt, will be shown at
Chambord. Actors, painters, sports stars and
musicians from the Middle Kingdom will thus be
exhibited in photographs taken using the same
expertise and in the same style as the well-known
portrait of Général de Gaulle.
In addition to this, Harcourt’s “Luxury Photo
Booth” will be on the château’s second floor for
a month. The booth allows users to obtain their
own photos in the Harcourt style.
© Du Zhenjun, Galerie RX
© Studio Harcourt Paris
* Access to the temporary exhibitions is included
in the château entrance ticket.

François Sarhan
From 25th April to 31st August
During his residence, François Sarhan will work
on an exhibition mixing videos and collages,
bringing a burlesque perspective to the château
and its myths, deconstructing the fixed image
of the potbellied monument, as if to reveal the
freshness attenuated by the tourist photos…
Philippe Cognée at Chambord
From 18th May to 12th October
In his work, Philippe Cognée has developed a
singular method inspired by photography, linked
to working with the effect created by encaustic
painting heated on the canvas. In total, around
sixty works will be hung at Chambord, making
this exhibition, along with the 2013 one in the
Grenoble Museum, one of the largest devoted
to the artist.
© Delacy
Music
Olivier Baumont, artist in residencee
During his Chambord residence, Olivier
Baumont will write a book about 18th century
music from the Duke of St Simon’s memoirs. The
latter was a great diarist in the second part of
Louis XIV’s reign and the Regency. This totally
new work will be a precious tool for researchers
and also for lovers of The Great Century.
Meet Olivier Baumont on Friday 30th May, in
the public courtyard at Chambord. Saturday 31st
May. Concerts by Conservatoire de Paris music
school students in the château’s chapel. Free entry
Fête de la Musique (Music Festival)
21st June at 8pm
This year, for the 10th edition, three great names
from urban art are invited to express themselves
and interact with the public in the château’s
Olivier Baumont © Frédéric Guy © DNC
Philippe Cognée, Portrait de Guillaume (Portrait of William),
1998. Oil on canvas, 103x98 cm © David Bord

surroundings. As ever, an eclecticism of musical
styles is on the programme: from gypsy jazz to
rock, via folk and classical music. The evening
will open with the Chambord Trumpet School, a
heartfelt tradition at Chambord.
With completely free entrance and free parking,
Chambord respects this festival’s ethos, part of
what has made it an unmissable event across
the globe. Attracting ever-increasing numbers of
visitors, this evening has become a meeting place
for music lovers and families.
Free entry.
Trumpet Concert
20th September
This year, the Chambord Trumpet School will
share the stage with the Échos des Provinces
whose members, all prestigious pipers and
winners of international competitions, come
from the four corners of France. The programme
mixes trumpets and songs.
The first section will be performed by pupils from
the Chambord Trumpet School.
Prices: $15/$10
Writers at Chambord
For the 4th year running, this literary event is an
invitation to meet a contemporary writer, on their
own or with an actor or musician. Free entry.
J.-L. Giovannoni, Sunday 23rd February
Hélène Cixous, Sunday 30th Marchs
Céline Minard, Sunday 27th April
Christian Garcin, Sunday 28th September
Chloé Delaume, Sunday 26th October
Alberto Manguel, Sunday 30th November
Performing arts
Au milieu du désordre, (In the Midst
of Chaos), a Pierre Meunier piece
of theatre
Saturday 15th March at 8pm
Inside the château walls, Pierre Meunier proposes
his ode to stone, Au Milieu du Désordre. This
show takes the public on a journey to the hidden
heart of things.
Prices: $15/$10
Extraordinary Evening
6th and 7th June
Since 2011, the attractive idea of the
Extraordinary Evening remains unchanged.
The public is invited to watch three shows about
which they know nothing.
These two unique evenings allow everyone to
be surprised, to be a simple spectator whose
curiosity will not be sated until the very end -
when the programmes are finally handed out.
Theatre, dance, music or performance? The
public do not even know what kind of show they
will see in this resolutely contemporary event.
Prices: $25/$15
Extraordinary evening © Pashrash
Music Festival © DNC
Writers at Chambord © DR

Doulce Mémoire Academy – Music of the
Renaissance
Thursday 8th May at 6pm
From 2nd to 8th May, the National Domain of
Chambord will welcome the Doulce Mémoire
ensemble for its academy known as the Le Droict
Chemin de Musique. (Music’s True Path). At
the end of their week at the château, the young
performers will stage a free event at the Blois
Conservatory.
Free entry.
Chambord Festival
The festival’s 4th edition will take place from 4th to
19th July this year. Once again, the pianist Vanessa
Wagner is in charge of the artistic line-up.
Since 2010, this event has not been limited to
either an era or a category of artists – or even to
one nationality. The aim is to appeal to everyone
with an enticing line-up. As in the past, the
next edition will bring together internationally
recognised artists and ensembles as well as young
emerging talents.
Most concerts will be staged in the courtyard,
some more intimate performances will take place
in the château (royal parade room, chapel, the
‘Communs d’Orléans’ outhouses...).
In addition to this, following the success of
the Jacques Moderne ensemble with Scarlatti’s
Stabat Mater in the Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire church,
the outside-the-walls experience will be staged
once again with events at the Palais Royal.
For all prices see www.chambord.org
The cultural events brochure is available upon
request by emailing
culture@chambord.org
© Académie Doulce Mémoire
Chambord Festival © Léonard de Serres

On-site food outlets
The Café d’Orléans
In the heart of the Château of Chambord with
a terrace looking out over the courtyard, the
Café d’Orléans welcomes visitors for a refreshing
break or lunch, when the château is open.
Open from April to September and during
school holidays.
Reservations on 00 +33 (0)2 54 50 50 39.
Facilities
Holiday cottages
Visitors can stay at Chambord for a weekend or
a week a few metres from the château or at the
gates of the domain. A chance to holiday in the
heart of an exceptional place.
The Les Cerfs (The Stags) and La Salamandre
(The Salamander) holiday lets, 200 metres from
the château, offer luxury accommodation.
Remarkably comfortable, with interior design
that blends clean lines and rustic charm, guests
can enjoy a large private garden while relaxing
in the heart of the domain. Each of the two semi-detached
holiday cottages can accommodate up
to eight people.
The Maison de la Gabillière houses a third
holiday cottage. Situated at the entrance to the
domain, on the borders of Chambord forest, it is
just metres from the first observation watchtower
from which wild animals can be watched and
offers a rare chance to get close to nature. It also
boasts a fireplace and private garden, and can
accommodate up to six people on the ground
floor in a warm, rustic ambience.
For more information visit
gites-chambord@chambord.org
or www.chambord.org
Group deals
Chambord offers catering and à la carte deals as well
as three day packages enabling visitors to fully enjoy
the domain. The “Group” brochure is available
upon request from devtour@chambord.org
Dining and living room in one of the holiday cottage © Ludovic Letot
The Café d’Orléans © Ludovic Letot

The Café M II S
Situated in the heart of the Maréchal de Saxe
stables, it offers visitors the chance to refuel in a
natural, authentic setting.
This outside terrace offers a unique proximity
to the stables and the equestrian performance
horses, as well as well as an incredible view of
the château rooftops.
The Café M II S is open from May to September.
Event hire options
The National Domain of Chambord offers
businesses, associations, institutions and
Weddings at Chambord © Ludovic Letot
individuals the chance to hire the château or
part of it for organised events and conferences.
For more information contact
evenements@chambord.org
The Shop
The château shop is freely accessible from the
château’s main entrance and welcomes the public
every day, except when the château is closed.
The 400m² sales floor has a vast selection of
books, gifts and souvenirs.
Contact: 00 +33 (0)2 54 50 50 31
The shop © Léonard de Serres

Furniture arriving © Léonard de Serres
2014 Improvement projects
Refurnishing
Despite its reputation for being empty, the
Château of Chambord houses a rich collection
of paintings, tapestries, furniture and objets
d’art. A king’s holiday home, the château has
almost never been permanently furnished. It was
furnished or emptied according to the rhythm of
royal visitors and their guests...
From historical emptiness…
This idea of an “empty’ monument is one that
must be refuted. From its creation the château
was not designed to be permanently lived in. The
travelling court changed residence according to
the seasons and, by necessity, royal residences
were set up in a temporary way. It is logical that
the château was only furnished when the court
was in residence.
The question posed at Chambord is how to
reconcile the eras, from the Renaissance to the
18th century. A desire to refurnish Chambord
as in the time of king François 1er would be
illusory. No collection of royal furniture from
the Renaissance has survived, even at Écouen’s
National Renaissance Museum. When it comes
to the 16th century, the visitor’s attention is
focused on the château’s architecture, in itself
an original work of art.
… to a documented refurnishing
The historic refurnishing of the first floor
apartments is based on painstaking research.
Written sources must be analysed, as well as
ancient inventories. Then questions need to be
asked about how interior spaces were used so
that coherent reconstructions can result. The
furniture at Chambord in the 17th and 18th
centuries was most certainly not from a specific
brand. In 1750, 90% of the furniture here
belonged to the Maréchal de Saxe personally. In
1790, 70% of the furniture was owned by the
Polignac family. The furniture repository only
holds a few extra pieces of furniture and some
extremely beautiful tapestries.
Unlike the steps taken at the château de
Versailles, no vast quest is being launched to
bring home furniture sold off over the years. The
main idea is to install authentic furniture and
decors that match descriptions in the historic
sources.
This refurnishing is being undertaken in
partnership with the Mobilier National,
the State furniture repository.
Bringing furniture held there into the public
domain is part of the Mobilier National’s
mission.
On 20th January 2014 a five-year agreement was
signed in Paris. This partnership forms part of the
aim, an ongoing commitment dating back several
years, to refurnish the State’s châteaux and
historic monuments. The wealth of collections
at the Mobilier National will enable the Château
of Chambord to continue its refurnishing policy
for the first floor rooms, to show them as they
would have looked in the 18th century.

Chambord in the digital age
The 2014 season is also significant because WiFi
and fibre optics have been installed at Chambord.
So, visitors will now easily be able to share
data and photos on social networks or access
messages. This will be particularly beneficial
for foreign tourists who do not necessarily have
access to 3G or 4G networks.
What is more, from May 2014, future visitors
will be able to reserve tickets online. This service
is now indispensable since we know that more
than 70% of tourists plan their trip online.
Works
Major works began in autumn 2013 in the
heart of the National Domain of Chambord.
Restoration of château outbuildings and the
keep’s renovation form part of moves to ensure
the building is secure. These works will also
improve the overall visitor experience.
Exterior works
In September 2013 work began on the large
Cosson canal that was born from Louis XIV’s
imagination. The project aims to restore paths
and make them accessible for all. Work is due to
finish in March 2014. This exceptional nature
reserve will be opened up once more by new
planting and the installation of pontoons at the
edge of the reed beds. There will also be signs
providing information on the fauna and flora.
This “mirror of water” reflecting the château
will offer a completely new setting for strolls.
The National Domain of Chambord has also
decided to restore the English-style garden and
The Lantern Tower being restored © Léonard de Serres
Work on the English garden © Léonard de Serres

improve public access by renewing pathways.
The footprint draws on that created in 1889.
It is designed around three paths: two main
paths with open landscaping, dotted with large
trees and copses and a third path through re-established
undergrowth, on the edge of the
existing forest. Banks will be added to these
shaded areas so that visitors can admire the
monument. These paths will allow the public
to see existing plants and will be enhanced by
landscaped areas. In time, the English-style
garden project will be followed by work on the
French-style gardens on the northern section.
Keep restoration
From December 2013 to June 2014, the Lantern
Tower, the highest point and the emblem of the
château, is undergoing restoration and complete
cleaning. The terraces will stay open throughout
the work, except for one section where access is
limited for safety reasons.
The restoration of the Dieudonné (God Given)
Tower also began in December 2013 and is
due to finish in August 2014. It incorporates
restoration of decorative elements of the towers’
superstructures; fascia cleaning, replacement
of damaged stone, consolidation of sculpted
elements and protection against rainwater run-off.
Pathway restoration funded by Colas
On 21st May 2013, the National Domain of
Chambord signed a skills sponsorship deal with
the company Colas, the global road building
and maintenance leader. Chambord’s park has
more than 304kms of paths. These works will
improve the visitor experience in the park and
encourage strolling.
A specialist of outside space improvements,
Colas will undertake a vast programme of
improvements to pathways around the château.
To the south, the royal path and transversal path,
to the west the future English garden, as well
as the St Louis square. Conscious of preserving
patrimony and the environment, Colas has
developed a product with a specific look, called
“Heliocol”, which ensures paths are stable
and clean yet retain a look in keeping with the
heritage around them. Work started in September
2013 and will be completed for the 2014 season.
© DNC

Scientific programme
In the wake of Natura 2000, the scientific
programme aims to work on restoring the park’s
biodiversity (extended areas for plant senescence,
priority given to indigenous species).
The reorganisation of the national hunt and wild
fauna reserve is divided into three main axes:
Chambord’s integration into the network of
Natura 2000 sites with ambitious projects in
terms of ancient woodland areas.
The setting up of a large-scale scientific
programme, with a Europe-wide reach, for
demographic monitoring of wild ungulata, that
will position Chambord as a major field of study.
The formulation and application of a forestry
plan that integrates environmental, scientific and
landscaping constraints.
© DNC

Strategic plan
The National Domain of Chambord, created
under article 230 of the 23rd February 2005 law
relating to the development of rural areas, is
an Établissement Public à caractère Industriel
et Commercial – EPIC (Public Entity of an
industrial and commercial nature). It comes
under the overall protection of the President
of the Republic and under the aegis of the
Agriculture, Culture and Environment ministries.
During the board meeting on 10th April 2013, a
strategic plan “Chambord, or the Perfect City”
was presented to members. This plan proposes
a five-year strategic vision for Chambord’s
development and conservation (2014-2019).
The objectives
Achieve self-financing of the undertaking in
2019 through a sustainable tourism route, along
with a diversification of offerings and better
management of the patrimony. The current level
of self-financing is 84%. For 2015 it is estimated
at 89.5%, to reach 100% in 2019, requiring
progressive increases of 2.7% per annum.
One of the factors behind the creation of the EPIC
is to enable the State to remove itself from day-to-
day operations.
Reaching the target of a million visitors in
2019, compared to 775,000 in 2012, thanks to
a better offering for the public (renovation of
shops and accommodation).
With François 1er as a figurehead, the scientific
and cultural projects must, through a programme
of historical research, from the archives and
archaeological digs, lead to a more complete
understanding of the origins of the château’s
construction and its domain, and also their
historic importance since the Renaissance. In
doing so the fundamental question becomes:
Why Chambord? What is Chambord? Perfect
city, celestial Jerusalem, royal manifestation,
hunting lodge, conceptual work of art...?
Maintaining the Renaissance spirit of research
and surprise, thanks to a high quality cultural
events calendar (festival, contemporary art
exhibitions, residences, talks).
Reorganising the National hunting and wild
fauna reserve and making Chambord a global
benchmark for the study of large wild ungulata
thanks to a strategic scientific programme.
In 2019, the National Domain of Chambord will celebrate five centuries of
existence. Everyone knows Chambord, but who really knows Chambord?
“
The Domain of Chambord, entirely enclosed by a wall, stretching across 5,440
hectares…the equivalent of the area of Paris inside the old city walls! It is the largest
walled forest park in Europe. We think we know Chambord’s history although it
is a place that draws preconceived ideas: the caprices of a young king, the hunting
lodge, the empty château, without mentioning the vulgarity of describing Chambord
by the number of windows and chimneys, as in an estate agent’s advert. The place
is stunning, a desert of forests and moors far from any town, a challenge to manage
and scarcely suited to comfortable living. But the location is part of a message,
Chambord’s vocation, both a reflection on the human condition, rising up to the
hereafter and a version of celestial Jerusalem as described in the Apocalypse according
to St John. It is therefore as mysterious and as vital as the Great Pyramids, Macchu
Pichu, Angkor Wat, the Temple of Heaven and the Taj Mahal. Led by a clear vision of
what is at stake and armed with a strategy, I am confident in our ability to evolve its
image and to respond to the needs of a growing and ever-more demanding public.
Jean d’Haussonville,
CEO of the National Domain of Chambord
”

Key 2013 figures
Financial results
Running costs of
€ 13,819 201
of which 84% were self-financed,
up 2.7% compared to 2011
€ 2,251 141
invested
of which €1m was self-financed
Turnover of
€ 10,438 384
Visitor numbers
751,640
visitors to the château
46.5 % foreign visitors
1.5m on site
Personnel
120
permanent staff
(135 Full-time equivalents)
Educational activities
50,517 pupils welcomed
in school parties
Free entry up to age 25
The forest
The Domain de
Chambord covers
5,440 hectares
32 km
Long outside wall
1,200 wild boars,
555 stags and hinds,
113 wild sheep
Works
137
pieces of furniture, objets d’art and
historic souvenirs have arrived to
enrich the 4,500 objects in the Domain’s
collections
€ 1,8 m
château restoration work
6,000 work hours
and 200 company maintenance
operations
5 major investment projects
in the monument and its surroundings,
ongoing or completed
20
“Historic Monument”
maintenance operations
on the château

Versailles PARIS
Orléans
Le Mans
Blois
CHAMBORD
Tours Bourges
Clermont-
Ferrand
Practical information
National Domain of Chambord
41250 Chambord
Tel: 00 +33 (0)2 54 50 40 00
info@chambord.org
www.chambord.org
How to get here?
By train (1hr30) from Austerlitz station
in Paris, to Blois-Chambord station
(a Blois-Chambord shuttle runs end of March
to beginning of September) or to the Gare de
Mer station (10km from Chambord).
Opening times
The château is open all year round, except
1st January, 1st Tuesday of February
and 25th December.
Opening times:
High Season from 01/04 to 30/09 -
9am-6pm.
Low season: from 01/10 to 31/03 -
10am-5pm.
Last entry 30 minutes before château closes.
2014 Prices
Château entrance:
Full price: e11
Reduced price: e9
Groups from 20+ people: e9
Up to age 25 (for European Union residents):
free.
Facilities
Food and beverage outlets in the château:
Café d’Orléans.
Shop: 400 m² with a selection of local
products, books and other souvenirs.
Café des Ecuries.
Café de l’Embarcadère.
Free toilets in the château.
Free left luggage.
BORDEAUX
Mont-Saint-Michel
Nantes
Parking
Cars, motorbikes: e4.
Camper van/minibus: e7 (overnight e10).
Coach: e45 (free if visiting the château).
10 car park entries card (small vehicles): e10,
valid for 1 year.
Free parking for bicycles.
Around the château
Restaurants.
Shops.
Disabled access.
ATM.
Pay toilets..
Contact
Cécilie Munk Koefoed,
Head of Communications
cecilie.munk-koefoed@chambord.org
00 +33 (0)2 54 50 40 31
Lyon
Marseille
A71
A10

Cover
RCP design global, © Ludovic Letot
Photographic credits
© Léonard de Serres, © Ludovic Letot,
© domaine national de Chambord
Design and creation
Efil - www.efil.fr

Dossier de presse - Chambord : Royal dream, majestic reality

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