Relais de Chambord sits in the village of Chambord, right beside the château that gives the place its name. Chambord is the biggest and most theatrical of the Loire palaces, a Renaissance hunting lodge with a roofline of chimneys and turrets, set in a walled forest park that is one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe. Most visitors arrive on a day trip from Tours, Amboise or Blois and leave by late afternoon, which means that the evening and the early morning belong to the people who stay in the village. This hotel is built around that idea. It is an upscale address aimed at couples and at travellers who want a special night in the valley rather than just a bed near the station, and it makes a natural pair with a day on the Chambord estate, a walk through the park at dusk and a dinner that does not require a drive afterwards.
Location and getting around
The village of Chambord is small and lies on the edge of the château grounds, so almost everything you came for is on foot. The château, the park gates and the riverside lawns are a short stroll away. The village is not on a railway line, so most guests arrive by car or taxi, or on a tour from Blois, Amboise or Tours.
Blois is the closest large town and a useful base for the shops, the station and a wider choice of restaurants, and Cheverny is a short drive in the other direction. If you plan to come by train, check the onward transport to the village before you book, and remember that local buses are limited in low season.
The stay itself
Expect a calm, comfortable and polished atmosphere rather than a lively one. Rooms and layouts differ, so say when you book whether you want a quiet room, a larger room, or a view toward the château, and ask about the choices on offer for your dates. Breakfast is often a rate-dependent extra, so compare options when you book.
The main appeal is the time of day: the château is at its best in the early morning and at sunset, when the stone turns pale gold and the crowds thin. A walk or bike ride in the park before breakfast is one of the great quiet pleasures of the Loire, and you can do it from the hotel without a car.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits couples, honeymooners and anyone marking an occasion, and also history lovers who want to see Chambord in more than a rushed few hours. It is a poor fit for travellers who want nightlife, a large choice of restaurants on the doorstep or budget prices. Rates sit at the top of the range for this guide and move a lot with the season and with weekends.
Winter is quiet, some services and restaurants in the village shorten their hours, and the park is at its most atmospheric in mist. Book the château ticket in advance and check the opening hours and any hotel services when you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Upscale hotel in Chambord village
- ✓Short walk to Chambord château
- ✓Next to the walled forest park
- ✓Quiet evenings after day visitors leave
- ✓Good for couples and special trips
- ✓Walking and cycling from the door
- ✓Day trips to Blois and Cheverny
- ✓Check parking and dining when booking
Good questions
How far is the hotel from Chambord château?+
The hotel is in the village of Chambord, a short walk from the château and the park gates, so you can visit without a car once you have arrived.
Can I reach Chambord by train?+
There is no railway station in the village. Most guests come by car, taxi or tour from Blois, Amboise or Tours, so check your transport before you book, especially in winter.
Is it a good base for other châteaux?+
It works best for Chambord itself, with Blois and Cheverny a short drive away. For several châteaux by train, a hotel in Tours or Amboise is easier.
