Dossier de presse - Chambord : Royal dream, majestic reality

*Royal dream, majestic reality

www.chambord.org

Chambordle rêve royal, grandeur nature*

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 03HistoryChâteau highlights

Visiting the Château 04Planning your visit Introductory film Audio-guided or Video-guided visits Guided visits For children

Activities around the Château 05Equestrian show Carriage rides Rowing boat, motor boat and bike hire4x4 Park visitsHear the Deer Call Pedestrian and bike paths

Cultural events 07Temporary exhibitions MusicWriters at ChambordPerforming artsChambord Festival

Facilities 11Holiday cottages Group deals On-site food outletsEvent hire optionsShop

2014 Improvement projects 13efurnishing Chambord in the digital age WorksScientific programme

Strategic plan 17Objectives

Key 2013 figures 18

Practical information 19

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The Château History1519. 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 buildingIt 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.

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.

Aerial view of Chambord © Léonard de Serres – National Domain of Chambord

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Visiting the Château Planning your visitA 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 filmTo 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 visitsAudio-guidesAudio-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-guidesVideo-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. Prices: $7 per adult/$5 from age 6 to 17 (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 00Reservations 00 +33(0)2 54 50 50 [email protected]

Louis XIV’s parade room © Guillaume Perrin - National Domain of Chambord

© Guillaume Perrin


Activities around the château

For childrenCassandra the Salamander’s Book of PuzzlesCassandra 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 00Reservations 00 +33(0)2 54 50 50 [email protected]

Educational activities Workshops in the château and/or the forest are available for school parties. Brochure available upon request at [email protected]

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 SeptemberThe 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. Prices: $11 per adult/$8 from age 6 to 17 Joint château + equestrian show ticket: $20

Carriage rides From 12th April to 28th SeptemberCarriage 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. Prices: $11 per adult/$8 from age 6 to 17Joint château + carriage ride ticket: $20

Rowing boat, motor boat and bike hireFrom 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 visitsIn 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 oldPrices: Adults $18/$12 from age 6 to 17.In French.

Hear the Deer CallFrom mid-September to mid-OctoberDuring 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 [email protected]

Pedestrian and cycle pathsThe 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 ChambordFrom 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 BingbingFrom 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 SarhanFrom 25th April to 31st AugustDuring 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 ChambordFrom 18th May to 12th OctoberIn 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.

MusicOlivier Baumont, artist in residenceeDuring 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

© DNCOlivier Baumont © Frédéric Guy

© Delacy

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 Concert20th SeptemberThis 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 ChambordFor 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 artsAu milieu du désordre, (In the Midst of Chaos), a Pierre Meunier piece of theatreSaturday 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 RenaissanceThursday 8th May at 6pmFrom 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 FestivalThe 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.orgThe cultural events brochure is available upon request by emailing [email protected]

© Académie Doulce Mémoire

Chambord Festival © Léonard de Serres


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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

Dining and living room in one of the holiday cottage © Ludovic Letot

The Café d’Orléans © Ludovic Letot

On-site food outlets The Café d’OrléansIn 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.


The Café M II SSituated 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 optionsThe National Domain of Chambord offers businesses, associations, institutions and

individuals the chance to hire the château or part of it for organised events and conferences.For more information contact [email protected]

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

Weddings at Chambord © Ludovic Letot

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 refurnishingThe 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 worksIn 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 restorationFrom 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 ColasOn 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 programmeIn 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

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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 château46.5 % foreign visitors1.5m on site

Personnel

120 permanent staff (135 Full-time equivalents)

Educational activities

50,517 pupils welcomed in school partiesFree 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 mchâteau 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 operationson the château


Practical information

National Domain of Chambord 41250 ChambordTel: 00 +33 (0)2 54 50 40 [email protected]@chambord.orgwww.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 timesThe 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 PricesChâteau 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.

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..

ContactCécilie Munk Koefoed,Head of Communications [email protected] +33 (0)2 54 50 40 31

Versailles PARIS

BORDEAUX

Orléans

Tours Bourges

Nantes

Blois

Mont-Saint-Michel

Le Mans

Lyon

Marseille

Clermont-Ferrand

A71

CHAMBORD

A10

CoverRCP design global, © Ludovic Letot

Photographic credits© Léonard de Serres, © Ludovic Letot,© domaine national de Chambord

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Art & Photos

Dossier de presse - Chambord : Royal dream, majestic reality