When I last traveled to the Loire Valley in 1990 I discovered Chateau de Chambord from a tourist point of view with tons of photos to prove it. The Royal Château at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures.
Guess what happens when you meet host Gael Ibramsah, who now is the Director of Sales of the Chateau? He gave me a glimpse of an “insider” of his chateau – things I would never have learned if it wouldn’t be for him.
Still modest at heart and with huge winning smiles he introduced me to his new world at Chateau de Chambord. Before Chambord he used to work for a popular French theme park "Astérix," followed by Château du Clos Lucé, whose most famous resident—back in the 16th century—was Leonardo da Vinci.
Gael reminded me by saying that Chambord was never a place for living. Upkeep, and especially heating, was so difficult that the Kings of France and its different owners only came in the summer, to hunt or for large receptions. The French Government bought the chateau for 11 million Francs and it was always subsidized 100%. Now the French Government decided to only subsidize it with 20% of the total budget that is needed. The remaining 80% that is required to maintain the chateau needs to be earned through ticket sales, souvenir shops, groups & receptions. He has about 35 people supporting him in their effort to make this chateau profitable. I did get to meet one of his colleagues. Their enthusiasm and pride to work for the largest of the Loire Chateau is incredibly catching.
We talked about American travelers who recognize the name Chambord first for its Liqueur and thus handed me a bottle called: Chambord Liqueur Royale de France. It dates back to 1685 when Louis XIV visited Château de Chambord. It is made from red and black raspberries (mûre), honey, vanilla, and cognac. It comes in a spherical bottle with gold plastic lettered "belt" around the middle. The bottle is modeled after a Globus Cruciger in order to reflect Chambord's royal connection. It is 16.5% alcohol by volume.
Common drinks made from Chambord include Chambord Daiquiri, Chambord Royal Spritzer, Little Purple Men, The Purple Hooter Shooter, Sour Grapes, Grape Crush, French Martini (which started the "cocktails as a Martini" craze) and the original Sex on the Beach.
Gael’s family is proud of him, especially his mother who had the fortune to be part of a Chinese delegation reception at the chateau a couple of weeks ago in one of the 440 rooms in the chateau with its 84 staircases, and 365 fireplaces. He and his young family - congratualtions to baby Jade - soon will be moving to their newly built house in the 5433 hectares of woods inside the 33 km of walls around the estate. We philosophically discussed in what a blessed fairytale world his two girls will grow up. Never fear Gael’s real down-to-earth personality will make sure of a healthy and balanced world. See for yourself… visit him. He welcomes you.
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