 FACT: King Francis of France constructed and lived primarily at the  Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley, not not at the Château de  Hautefort (though certain exterior architectural details were  similar). Da Vinci was said to have designed the famous double helix  spiral staircase that is central to the design of the château,  though he died in the year construction was started. Interestingly  enough, the symbol of Frani?ois I, the salamander, is seen many  times throughout the film (eg on the tapestry behind the thrones in  the audience chamber).