Chambord
This royal residence was plan of Louis XII and had once been hunting grounds. What is interesting about this castle is that Leonardo da Vinci designed the spiral staircase. Two separate staircases wind around each other. Two people can start up or down them at a separate entrance, continue to see and touch each other throug the openings but will never run into each other until they reach the bottom or top (while going in the same direction). It is fascinating.
For a castle, this one has never held much appeal to me. I don't know why but it is not my favorite. However, the students always love it, especially using the stairs.
There is a much richer history that goes with this castle but I don't have the notes. Sorry.
