Place to stay to see chambord

Blois or Amboise. There is a bus that goes to Chambord from Blois if you aren't driving

In 2018 I stayed at a B & B that had a millpond and very cozy rooms. It was in Blere, just outside of Blois. It was very close to the chateaus of the Loire, of which I visited 3 plus the nearby keep in Loches. Thr B and B is called Le Moulin du Fief Gentil. The innkeeper and her husband were very accommodating.

You can stay in the hotel at Chambord.

If you're wanting to visit more chateaux than just Chambord you would be better off staying closer to Tours. Most of the really famous chateaux are at least an hour away, Chambord being the most westerly (and in my opinion one of the least interesting) of the famous Loire Valley chateau

Onzain is a good location for many chateau

Thanks all. @simon which would you recommend seeing instead of chambord. I’m open to their options, I had just heard of this one being the most famous. Thanks.

Chenonceau is the most famous and most visited, followed by Amboise. I'm not a huge fan of Amboise though, I prefer Cheverny, Loches, Azay le Rideau and Usse.

Chambord isn't really a chateau, it's an over grand hunting lodge

Good to know! Thank you. This is helpful in my preliminary planning.

You got to see Chambord more from the outside than the inside.

Very much agree seeing Chambord anyway from the outside.

I enjoyed Chenonceau for the river setting and furnishings, Cheverny for the hunting dog feedings and Chambord for the massive size, double helix staircase and gardens. It was minimally furnished. The Loches Keep was something I had never experienced and I really liked it.

Chambord is my favorite château, it is just magical. The architectural impact of the staircase design changed the way staircases were built from then after. For those who appreciate architecture, Chambord is essential, as is Château Blois with its 3 easily observed architectural styles. I never tire of visiting Chambord.

I would call Chambord among the most eastwardly of the well-known château but nearby are the châteaux of Blois, Cheverny, Chenonceau, Amboise and Gillard.

Luckily, I think that the hound feedings at Chevenry have been suspended. That is an experience I would not do twice, and regret waiting to see it the first time.

Amboise has transformed itself into a tourist mecca and now has upscale restaurants and hotels. You could easily make it your hub and take minitours to the various sites:

https://www.amboise-valdeloire.co.uk/
https://www.france-voyage.com/activities/leisure-tours-88617.htm
https://sandytours.com/en/our-tours/trips-in-france/minivan-full-day-tours/loire-valley-private-excursion-during-3-days

If you stay here and take the train, ask the Office de Tourisme about transportation options from the train station to the town. You can walk it but with luggage or if raining, it would be good to have options.

Great. Thank you very much!

Oops... I meant easterly in my reply... Must be my southern hemisphere brain at work