A fundraising campaign to restore the François I wing of Chambord Castle has surpassed one million euros, far exceeding initial expectations. The wing, built starting in 1539 to house King François I’s private apartments and council chamber, has been closed to the public since 2019 due to structural damage and safety concerns. On September 17, the National Domain of Chambord announced to AFP that the campaign, aimed at French citizens, had crossed the one million euro threshold. Pierre Dubreuil, general director of the domain, noted that the campaign initially aimed to collect 100,000 euros in a year, but within less than a year, the total had reached one million euros—surpassing all expectations. The campaign, launched in September 2025, encouraged visitors to contribute through the initiative "Chambord needs you," which featured a portrait of François I with a drop of blood, displayed at the entrances of the site. Dubreuil said the campaign resonated deeply with the public, both in France and beyond, and more than 5,500 donors have already participated. The success of the campaign has also been supported by a tax incentive introduced in the 2026 finance law, offering a 75% tax reduction on donations, similar to the one used for the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris. Inside the François I wing, the conditions remain dire. Cracked walls and debris on the floor have made the area inaccessible, despite the presence of educational modules for schoolchildren on the first floor. AFP reported in March that the risk of further damage is imminent, making entry impossible. To date, 12 million euros have been collected, including a grant from the Ministry of Culture, which has funded preliminary safety assessments and structural reinforcements. Now, the National Domain of Chambord is seeking an additional 25 million euros to complete the restoration and reopen the François I wing to the public. This second phase of the project will focus on making the space safe and accessible, allowing visitors to once again explore the historic wing that has been closed for over five years.