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As you enter the Royal Domain of Chambord in the heart of the French Loire Valley, you suddenly discover the stately silhouette of the Château de Chambord. François the First’s exceptional estate is a pure gem of the French Renaissance. It appears in a wonderful setting with its grey slate roofs, its bastion towers, finely carved pinnacle turrets, and fireplaces (as many as days in a year) reminding us of an « art de vivre » when beauty had connections with utility.

The Château de Chambord – Copyright: Wikipedia

The construction of the château began in 1519, in the early years of the Renaissance and is supposed to have been inspired by Italy. The great architect Viollet-le-Duc, however said that there was nothing italianate about Chambord in thought or form. The King in his passion spent a fortune on the château, even when money got rare, he always found a solution (if you see what I mean) for Chambord and the works never stopped. François the First likes to entertain courtiers and dignitaries and goes hunting in his immense and deep forests abounding in game. Later Molière wrote here his « Monsieur de Pourceaugnac » within a few days. The play that at first Louis XIV did not appreciate, was saved by Lulli who simply jumped onto his harpsichord, thus making the king burst out laughing.

Until May 2009, the Château offers an exhibition called « Made in Chambord » dedicated to eponymous objects. Legally, the name Chambord may be used by anyone since it designates a place. This prestigious name was very often used to advertise and give an image of quality and prestige to all sorts of products, whilst adding the French Touch. In the park, you will be welcomed by the famous Simca Chambord, an excellent and beautiful car of the late 50s, built from 1958 to 1961 in France and then Brazil. A version was even transformed into a convertible used by Gen. de Gaulle as a Presidential Car (see my article: «Presidential Cars Museum in Burgundy »). Chambord also is  a magnificient rapsberry liqueur combined with delicious honey and vanilla presented in a bottle featuring a globe and fleur de lys, symbol of the French Monarchy. All the items displayed here for the exhibition are in an inventory style like in Prévert’s. You will see carpets, orchids, chocolates, asparagus, calendars, vacuum cleaners, an Air France boeing miniature, yoghurts, a couscous pan and…a coffin, all bearing the prestigious Chambord name.

King François the First certainly would never have thought his Château and brand-image would have become such a persuasive sales gimmick. There was a time when such great names impressed clients and recalled the beauties of a country. I am not too sure that this still does not exist. Anyway, when beauty and excellence are present in all their aspects, life seems much more pleasant! « N’est-ce pas? « 

Exhibition « Made in Chambord ».

Copyright: www.scenorama.net

The Château de Chambord.

Chambord Liqueur Royale de France.

Simca Chambord 1958.