Passing Through - Chambord

Chateau de Chambord, the largest and most recognisable chateau in the Loire Valley.

Built as a royal hunting lodge in the 16th century, and a symbol of wealth and power, it was rarely used by the King who commissioned it. Huge, freezing cold, completely unfurnished, and not practical for anything other than short stays. All furniture, wall coverings, household items, and foodstuffs had to be brought to the Chateau in a major logistical undertaking for every short hunting visit.

And then the King died. The Chateau was abandoned. Finally, 80 or so years later, some restoration work was done and later a large stable was added ... the royal hunting parties were back on the agenda for a while. By the end of the 17th century, it was abandoned again.

It was a dilapidated and deserted 'white elephant'; gifted to nobles and inherited by heirs who did nothing with it. It became the property of the French state in 1930 ... and is still huge, freezing cold, and mostly unfurnished.Read more