Château de Chambord, France, 2026

I remember sitting in my living room, watching television, when a documentary about the Château de Chambord came on. I was immediately captivated and remained glued to the screen until the end. The programme explored the architecture, grandeur, and history of this magnificent building.

I am a romantic person by nature. As I watched, I found myself wondering whether I would ever have the opportunity to see this extraordinary place in person to experience something of the spirit of that fascinating era, to walk through its forests and fields, and to immerse myself in such an incredible setting.

It was never planned. By pure coincidence, I passed nearby during my bicycle journey across Northern Europe. Once I realised how close I was, I made a small detour simply to stand before it.

Of all the places I visited during that trip, this was the one where I spent the longest in quiet contemplation. I remained there for many minutes, absorbing the scale and atmosphere of the place. Before leaving, I made sure to cycle through part of the forest that surrounds the château.

It was magnificent an unforgettable moment that remains one of the most vivid memories of my journey.

( Cânon M100 ) 22mm / 1,800s / f5.6 / iso200