The Château de Chambord, the largest and most famous castle in France’s Loire Valley, has made an appeal for public donations after heavy flooding last week left it submerged in water, causing at least €200,000 in damage.

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The 16th-century castle, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, was forced to close for five days because of the flooding.

Although it has since reopened, a large portion of its grounds were severely damaged. With tourism season already underway, the castle’s custodians have made an appeal for public donations to help fund the costly repairs.

“We decided to launch a fundraising campaign online because there’s been a lot of material damage…The tourism season has started and we have to be operational to receive visitors in the best possible conditions,” a castle employee said.

To watch the full report on flood damage at the Château de Chambord, click on the player above.

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