Where to Stay by Chateau Chambord

One of my favorite regions in France is the magical, castle-filled Loire Valley.  There are over 40 chateaux to visit here, with the inimitable Chateau Chambord being the most popular.  And why is it so popular?  It’s one of the most famous symbols of Renaissance architecture, & its sheer size makes it unforgettable ~ as does Louis XIV’s opulent influence; he was the King who finally completed the castle’s contstruction.  Then, to cap it off: Leonardo Da Vinci himself designed the genius *Double Helix* staircase that takes up the entire center of the castle.  Here, we’ll learn where to stay by Chateau Chambord!

Chateau Chambord is the most popular chateau in the entire Loire Valley, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

The author on Da Vinci’s masterful “Double Helix” staircase at Chambord. Visitors going UP can’t see visitors going DOWN, which makes it extremely unique…& possibly good for hiding mistresses?!

Map of Chateau Chambord

Overview of Hotels by Chateau Chambord

The three hotels below get you as close as possible to Chateau Chambord, & also provide a good base to explore other nearby chateaux ~ such as Cheverny, Chenonceau, & Chaumont.

A huge benefit of staying near Chambord is being able to see it at night, when it’s at its most beautiful.

• Relais de Chambord ($182+/night) = Closest Hotel to Chateau Chambord: Situated on the Cosson River, & actually on the grounds of the Chateau’s 5,000 acre-property, this refined hotel is just a five-minute walk to the palace entrance.  Some of their 56 rooms have castle views, as does their restaurant terrace.  All rooms are pet-friendly, have flat-screen TV’s, tea & coffee ~ & there’s a bar, billiards room, & restaurant downstairs.  The Relais is reasonably-priced for how close it puts you to Chateau Chambord!
• Chateau de Colliers ($128+/night) = Family-Run Boutique Hotel with a Personal Feel: Located 4 miles north of Chambord on the Loire River, this early 20th-century chateau features Louis XV furniture & a lounge terrace with sweeping river views.  There are just five rooms here ~ so booking ahead is required.  Four rooms open onto the terrace with river views, while the fifth looks directly towards the castle’s courtyard.  The owners here know much of the local history, & are a great resource!  There’s also an outdoor pool, free breakfast, bike rentals on-site, & they’re pet-friendly. 
• Chateaux des Grotteaux ($286+/night) = Gorgeous Restored Chateau 5 Miles South-West of Chambord: This posh boutique hotel is set in a lovingly restored 17th-century chateau, & also has just five rooms ~ but rooms are large, TV-free, & some have garden views.  There’s a serence outdoor pool, tennis courts, & free breakfast; you can also borrow bikes & fishing gear here.  The owners & staff will go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable ~ & you’re just still just 5 miles from Chambord.  This is a good base for exploring other chateaux further south, such as Cheverny & Chaumont!

Five miles from Chambord, Chateau des Grotteaux is a great place to relax, swim, & play tennis while exploring castles. Photo: Trip Advisor.

Lovely outdoor pool at Grotteaux. Photo: Trip Advisor.

Photos of Relais de Chambord

No one else has a view like this: from a terrace at the Relais de Chambord. Photo by Relais de Chambord.

The property to the left of the castle is Relais de Chambord. Staying here allows you to see the castle at dawn & dusk, when there are virtually no other visitors present. Photo by Country Life.

Check prices at the closest accommodations to Chateau Chambord: the 56-room, pet-friendly Relais de Chambord.

Photos of Chateau des Colliers

Stay at a charming, family-run chateau in the heart of the Loire Valley…

Ornate interiors await at the Chateau de Colliers. Photo by Booking.com

Step back in time here…while still enjoying bike rentals & an outdoor pool. Photo by The Hotel Guru.

Check prices at quaint Chateau de Colliers ~ one of the most reasonably-priced hotels near Chambord.

Goodbye….Chateau Chambord

One final thought, if you’re visiting the Loire: I recommend renting a car.  It’s so easy to drive in this region, as it’s mainly mellow, country roads without much traffic.  You can also try Uber’ing from place-to-place, but this may end up being more expensive than simply renting a car.

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