New season, new digital experiences, the return of a grand equestrian show, and a program that plays with contrasts between music, art, and nature: Chambord is back for the whole year, for families as well as for the curious.
New season, new digital experiences, the return of a grand equestrian show, and a program that plays with contrasts between music, art, and nature: Chambord is back for the whole year, for families as well as for the curious.
Chambord tells its story through its 80 rooms open to visitors and, of course, its double spiral staircase: an architecture that engages in dialogue with the history of France and inevitably leads to the terraces, where the rooftops become a spectacle and the view embraces the gardens and estate.
The HistoPad visitor companion is refocusing this year on the Renaissance with a new tour.
It features nine 3D historical reconstructions created with experts, narrative sequences where Francis I presents the castle and its inhabitants, enriched 360° photographs, and virtual access to several areas usually closed to the public.
An interactive map helps visitors navigate the monument, and the interactive "Doors of Time" stations are scattered throughout the tour to allow for a self-paced experience.
"Chambord, the story on horseback" is a creation by Mario Luraschi, in collaboration with the Cavalcade company and narrated by Jean Dujardin.
The show combines stunts, high school dressage, and video projections to trace five centuries of history of the estate and its occupants.
The duration is 45 minutes. Performances take place from April 4 to September 27, 2026, and from October 17 to November 1, 2026, with a differentiated schedule for weekdays/weekends and during certain periods (school holidays, public holiday weekends, and summer).
The calendar is divided into four distinct seasons: in spring, life resumes with family workshops, leisure activities, and the first performances of the equestrian show; summer is dedicated to music (festivals and concerts); autumn invites outdoor activities and monumental art; winter sees Chambord transform into a Christmas wonderland, with decorations, events, and light displays.
Spring: photographic exhibition "Solaris" (from March 20 to June 21) and the European Days of Crafts on April 11 and 12.Summer: a series of concerts and festivals (Chambord Live and Classical Music Festival), with a schedule announced over several days (multiple artist names and concerts mentioned).Autumn: exhibition "The Feasts of Chambord" (from September 26, 2026, to January 24, 2027), virtual reality experiences produced by Gédéon, and the arrival of monumental works by Calder in the gardens (October 2026 - June 2027).Winter: Christmas at Chambord, with a highlight focused on indulgence and Gargantua (late November to mid-January).
The estate is not just a castle: it also offers outings to enjoy the forest and wildlife. The "deer rut" outings are scheduled from mid-September to mid-October. And for those who enjoy walking or exploring the reserve, guided nature tours and nature hikes are planned according to the seasons.
The proposals for young audiences take several forms: Cassandre the salamander's notebooks offer playful pathways for 7-12 year olds, "The Children's Lodge" provides over 100 m² of digital, sound, and sensory play devices for 3-6 year olds, and educational workshops (stone carving, model building, nature workshops...) are offered throughout the year.
A "Family Day Passport" is announced at €38 (instead of €45.50), which includes entry to the castle and gardens, the rental of a HistoPad, a ticket for the equestrian show, and a discount on a leisure activity during certain periods.
Several types of tours are offered: guided tours of the castle (1.5 hours, daily), in-depth tours (3 hours, weekends and high season), prestige tours with exclusive access and a glass of champagne tasting, theatrical fun tours during school holidays, and visits to the nature reserve (1.5 hours, year-round). Off-road vehicle tours are available alongside hiking options, depending on the offerings.
The 2026 rates display several levels: a full price for access to the castle and gardens during free visits, a reduced rate, free admissions (for young people and certain categories), and family packages.
Free admission applies notably to those under 18 and EU citizens aged 18-25, as well as persons with disabilities and one accompanying person, subject to proof of eligibility. Detailed information on rates and conditions is available through the official channels of the estate.
A fundraising campaign is underway to preserve the François Ier wing, deemed fragile and subject to a restoration project. The rooms affected by these structural issues have been closed to the public since 2019 or earlier; this does not impact the programming, the visitor circuit, or the comfort of visitors.
Several contact points are provided for the press and for information requests. For any reservations, inquiries about workshops, guided tours, or family activities, you can refer to the information provided by the Domaine national de Chambord.
HistoPad: term used to refer to the digital visitor companion provided to visitors, featuring reconstructions, media, and interactive maps.Deer rut: refers to the call of the deer heard in autumn, often offered during specific outings to listen to it in its natural habitat.
The 2026 season at Chambord embraces diversity: augmented history, live arts, major exhibitions, and nature. Whether you are looking for a family outing, a musical highlight, or an immersion in the Renaissance through digital tools, there is plenty to plan your day (or weekend). For practical details and reservations, the official website of the National Domain of Chambord gathers up-to-date information.
Author Audrey on 16 August 2021
Art and Culture : Museums
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