"Some French chateaux are scarcely more than large and impressive houses, but the Château de Chambord, in the Loire Valley, is a proper castle; Disney’s <em>Beauty and the Beast</em> took its inspiration from Chambord, but had to tone it down a bit, as the real thing is too enormously opulent even for fantasy. And the Relais de Chambord could hardly boast of a more privileged position — it’s not just set on the estate, it’s straight across the lawn from the castle itself, and thus surrounded by endless parklands full of wildlife." - Tablet Hotels
