Since 1981 it is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and is receiving around 850.000 visitors yearly. Chambord is the personal work of François I and it was probably Leonardo da Vinci who made the first sketches of the building plans. However the genius passed away in 1519 at the start of the construction works.

Apart from François I, other historical figures who have been closely linked to the castle are Gaston, Duke of Orleans (1608-1660), King Louis XIV (1638-1715), Stanislas Leszczynski, the exiled King of Poland and father-in-law of Louis V (1677-1766), the famous Marshall Maurice de Saxe (1696-1750), who was the great-grandfather of George Sand and  the last direct heir of King Louis XIV and grandson of the future King Charles X, Henry Duke of Bordeaux (1820-1883).

Chambord is also a venue for film & photo shooting, cultural, corporate and private events, such as concerts, receptions, weddings...

For more detailed information about history, visits and cultural events, see website.