Exhibition explores Chambord’s culinary past

An exhibition titled Les festins de Chambord examines the gastronomic history of Chambord Castle, focusing on four significant meals recreated to show its evolution from the Renaissance to today. The exhibition, open until January 24, 2027, aims to clarify historical facts and fill in gaps in the castle’s archival records.

Challenges in reconstructing meals

Loïc Bienassis, one of the exhibition’s co-curators, notes the difficulty in reconstructing the castle’s culinary past due to a lack of detailed documentation. François I began building Chambord in 1519, but records about his meals there are scarce. A menu from 1545, listing 16 dishes, was later found to be a 1990s fabrication.

Renaissance cuisine and its ingredients

French Renaissance cuisine, as described in the Livre de cuysine tres utille et prouffitable (circa 1540), shows a blend of medieval traditions with new ingredients. Dishes often featured fat-free sauces, toasted bread, and egg yolks, with a strong use of spices and acidity. Sugar and butter became more common during this time.

Louis XIV’s visits and dining customs

Louis XIV visited Chambord between 1668 and 1685, with meals held in the first antechamber of the Dauphine’s residence. A 1685 table plan illustrates the "service à la française" style, where dishes were arranged symmetrically and replaced in a specific order. A 1684 document details the meals for the royal entourage, with food quality varying by the rank of the individuals.

Maurice de Saxe and the rise of luxury

Maurice de Saxe, Marshal of Saxony, lived at Chambord from 1748, turning it into a "second Versailles." His inventories show a large collection of wines, including 472 bottles of champagne, reflecting aristocratic tastes. Hot liqueurs like coffee, tea, and chocolate became popular during this period.

19th-century events and public access

The 19th century saw notable events at Chambord, such as a lunch for the Duchess of Berry in 1830 and a birthday celebration for the Count of Chambord in 1879. The castle was opened to the public in the late 19th century, hosting events like the 1899 congress of the navigable Loire.

Modern political and royal visits

After becoming state property in 1930, Chambord hosted political figures like President Mitterrand and Chancellor Helmut Kohl in 1987. A memorable event was the 1988 visit by Prince Charles and Lady Diana, where a gala dinner was held, with dishes noted by Henri Gault in Paris-Match.

Archaeology and separating fact from fiction

Archaeological findings, such as oyster shells from the 18th century, offer clues about the castle’s past meals. Legends, like the imaginary menu of François I or the supposed invention of Chambord carp by a non-existent chef, illustrate the difficulty historians face in distinguishing historical facts from myths.