Amboise

Amboise: A Journey to the Heart of the Renaissance

Amboise, a small town located on the banks of the Loire River in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a must-see destination for lovers of history, architecture, and culture.

Known for its royal castle, majestic gardens, and close ties to the iconic figure of Leonardo da Vinci, Amboise offers visitors a fascinating journey back in time to the heart of the French Renaissance.

But Amboise is also a lively and charming town, where you can stroll around, sample local products, and enjoy the good life.

Learn more about Amboise

Amboise is a town where history and culture meet, offering visitors a unique experience at the heart of the French Renaissance. Between the majestic Royal Castle, Leonardo da Vinci's house at Clos Lucé, and the region's many other architectural and natural treasures, Amboise is a destination that will delight lovers of art, history, and nature. Whether you are looking for cultural discoveries, relaxation, or outdoor adventures, Amboise will seduce you with its timeless charm and welcoming atmosphere.

A visit to Amboise is a journey back in time to the heart of one of the most fascinating periods in French history.

The Royal Château of Amboise: A Residence of the Kings of France

The Royal Castle of Amboise is undoubtedly the jewel of the city. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire River, this majestic castle has played a crucial role in French history. Built in the 15th century, it was the residence of many kings of France, including Charles VIII, Louis XII, and Francis I, who made numerous improvements to it.

Le Clos Lucé: Leonardo da Vinci's Last Home

A few minutes' walk from the château is the Clos Lucé, an elegant 15th-century residence that was Leonardo da Vinci's last home. François I, fascinated by the artist's genius, invited him to settle in France in 1516 and gave him this house, where he lived until his death in 1519.

Clos Lucé is now a museum dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, where visitors can discover his world and his many inventions. The different rooms of the house have been reconstructed to reflect the artist's daily life, with his workshops, sketchbooks, and scale models of machines. The basement of Clos Lucé houses a fascinating exhibition of Leonardo's inventions, recreated in full size from his drawings. Visitors can see models of military vehicles, flying machines, bridges, and even a tank.

The gardens of Clos Lucé, known as the “Leonardo da Vinci Park,” are another major attraction. This seven-hectare park invites visitors to take a poetic stroll through Leonardo's creations, with life-size replicas of his mechanical inventions, themed trails, and explanatory panels. The park is a place of wonder for children and adults alike, offering total immersion in the visionary spirit of the Renaissance master.

The Pagoda of Chanteloup: A Remnant of a Forgotten Past

Another fascinating site to visit in Amboise is the Pagoda of Chanteloup. This unusual monument, 44 meters high, is all that remains of a large estate once owned by the Duke of Choiseul, one of Louis XV's most influential ministers. Built in 1775, the pagoda is a remarkable example of exotic architecture, inspired by Chinese influences that were in vogue at the time.

Climbing the 149 steps to the top of the pagoda is an effort rewarded by a breathtaking view of the Amboise forest and the surrounding area. The park surrounding the pagoda, with its circular pond and French gardens, is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. The Pagoda of Chanteloup is a place often overlooked by tourists, but it is well worth a visit for its originality and history.

The Heart of Amboise: Charm and Authenticity

Amboise is not only a historic town, it is also a lively town with a picturesque and bustling town center. Strolling through the cobbled streets of Amboise, you will discover typical architecture, with half-timbered houses, tuffeau stone mansions, and ancient churches. The Place du Château is an excellent starting point for exploring the town, with its terrace cafés where you can sit and watch local life go by.

The Amboise market, held every Sunday morning on the banks of the Loire River, is one of the largest and most renowned in the region. It's a must-visit place to discover local products: goat's cheese, Loire wines, rillettes, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and of course, the famous fouées, small bread rolls baked over a wood fire and topped with rillettes, cheese or butter. The market is also an opportunity to meet local producers and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the town.

Strolling along the Loire, you will also discover the charming tanners' quarter, where small cave dwellings carved into the rock can still be found. This picturesque neighborhood offers a glimpse into everyday life in the past and allows you to discover a lesser-known side of Amboise.

Amboise Wines: A Thousand-Year-Old Winemaking Tradition

The Amboise region is also renowned for its vineyards, which produce some of the best wines in the Loire Valley. The vineyards surround the town and stretch across the sunny hillsides overlooking the Loire. Touraine-Amboise is an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) that produces white, red, and rosé wines, prized for their freshness and finesse.

A visit to Amboise would not be complete without a wine tasting at one of the many vineyards surrounding the town. The Cave des Vignerons d'Amboise, located a few kilometers from the town center, offers tastings and guided tours of its cellars, where you can discover the secrets of winemaking and taste a selection of local wines.

For wine lovers, a walk through the vineyards is also an experience not to be missed. Many estates offer walks through the vineyards, often followed by a tasting, allowing visitors to soak up the wine-growing landscape while savoring the wines that come from it.