The striking silhouette of the “Château de Chambord” nestles in blissful isolation in the landscape of the Loire Valley in France. The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, is an architectural masterpiece and a popular destination for history buffs. Built in 1519 under the direction of architect Domenico da Cortona, it has become over the centuries an extravagant example of French Renaissance opulence. The “Château de Chambord” looks back on a fascinating history – from the Italian-inspired vision of King Francis I, to the turbulent times of the French Revolution, to the immense cultural and tourist significance of the 21st century.