Châteaux are castles or palaces located along the Loire River in France that were built by rulers, their favorites, or wealthy individuals during the Renaissance. While intended as residences rather than attractions, the Château de Chambord was uniquely commissioned by King François I to be near his mistress, though it also served as a hunting lodge. Its grand architecture includes gardens, a moat, towers, over 400 rooms, and was decorated rather than designed for defense.

1. French Châteaux
By: Courtney Brady

2. What is it?
Châteaux are what we Americans would call
castles, sometimes palaces. The châteaux of the
Loire valley are located in towns along the Loire
River in France.
Rulers of France, those in favor of the rulers, or
wealthy people are the ones who built the
châteaux.

3. The Loire Valley?? Loire??
The Loire Valley is located along the middle of
the Loire river and is in central France
The Loire is the longest river in France and
spreads over more than a fifth of France’s land

4. Why?
Châteaux were not built for attraction. They
were built during the Renaissance and they were
built as places of residence, not for attraction.
While people did want them to be attractive,
they were meant as places to live out their lives
or spend summers.

5. Château de Chambord
It was created during the
Renaissance
It is the largest château of the
châteaux in the Loire Valley
It was created by King
François I
His inspiration for this
work of art was Leonardo
da Vinci

6. Why did he build it?
King François I actually built the Château de
Chambord so that he could be closer to his
mistress!
It was also built as a hunting lodge. He stayed at
two other châteaux, so this was just to show his
power practically

7. Architecture
The castle was much like other castles
It had gardens; water features, meaning a moat; a keep;
and corner towers
It has self-contained suites, a
departure of corridor rooms,
a central keep with four
bastion towers.
It holds 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 84 staircases
It was never intended to have defenses, so the moats and
towers are only for decoration