Château de Chambord

The largest and most extravagant of the Loire châteaux, built from 1519 for King François I as a hunting lodge. Its roofline is a fantasy of turrets, chimneys and lanterns, and at its heart is a famous double-spiral staircase, said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, where two people can climb without meeting.

The château stands in an enclosed forest park the size of Paris, with wild deer and boar. You can hire bikes, golf carts or boats on the canal to explore. Don't miss the views from the rooftop terraces.