Chambord National Park is the largest forest park in Europe and has been dubbed a World Heritage site by Unesco.The park covers an area the size of Paris and is enclosed by a 32 km wall. The castle at Chambord is the only royal estate in France that has been entirely preserved. The castle is a landmark of the first French Renaissance with its construction beginning in the early part of the 16th century.

The forest flourishes with plants, trees, and wildlife. Over a quarter of the forest, about 2,500 acres, is open to visitors. From observation areas, visitors can watch the many stags and wild boars that roam free.

• Chambord was the departure point for Stage 5 of the 2005 Tour de France.

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