Utterly exhausted after a really exciting day. Just going to put up some pics for you all to see :D Bonne nuit!

The front of Chambord. This is what you see when you drive up. Construction began in 1516 by King François I. The King was a great admirer of Leonardo de Vinci, and you can see his influence in the construction of the castle. The main castle pivots around a central (and beautiful) spiral staircase, with four turrets forming the four corners of the main castle, and four more forming the outer wings.

 View from the other side of the Chateau.

 The central staircase from the outside, standing on the uppermost balcony.

 I am pretty much in love with the architecture of Chambord. I love the mix of the gothic and eastern-looking architecture that makes this look so distinctive and well, French.

 Chateau de Blois from the outer gate. The first wing was built in 1214, with each new age adding a wing in its own style; there are four wings in all, forming a square around a central courtyard.

 View of the last wing from inside the courtyard. Clearly built with classical architecture in mind, very similar to Versailles, but much smaller.

Love these gorgeous spiral staircases!