Visiting City of Amboise

Amboise is adjacent to the widest stretch of the Loire River and it is a pleasant place to visit with a nice old town directly below the hilltop chateau. To add even more interest, Leonardo da Vinci retired and owned a home here (Château du Clos Lucé). Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, located on the grounds of the Château d'Amboise in Amboise, France. This small Gothic chapel is a highlight of the château and is notable for its intricate architecture and historical significance. Da Vinci was invited to Amboise by King Francis I and spent his final years at the nearby Clos Lucé, passing away in 1519. His burial at the chapel adds an additional layer of cultural and historical importance to the site​

Amboise was our stop # 3 on our Loire Valley adventure, primarily because it was to be our next "Base Camp", and secondly because there were a large number of chateux within a hundred kilometers of the village. 53 kilometers northwest of Amboise lies the Château de Chambord, a flamboyant masterpiece built by King Francis I. 12 kilometers southwest is the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the "Ladies' Château," and the impressive Château de Villandry, famed for its stunning Renaissance gardens.

Amboise under King Francis I also reflected his ambition to blend French and Italian Renaissance styles, which shaped the architecture and art of the region. The Château Royal d’Amboise hosted court events and became a hub for political and artistic life, showcasing the king's vision for a modern, culturally enriched France. The enduring legacy of Francis I in Amboise is evident in the château’s rich history, its connection to prominent figures like Leonardo, and its role as a centerpiece of the Loire Valley’s Renaissance heritage

 

Amboise has had a wide range of history including; the Roman Legions (Julius Caesar and the Gaul Campaign), in fact, the majority of Julius Caesar's 10 year long Gaul Campaign took place east of Amboise between Bourges and Dijon. Vercingetorix surrendered to Caesar after the battle of Alesia (50 miles west of current day Dijon). The Merovingian Frankish ruler Clovis met with Alaric king of the Visigoths and signed a famous treaty in Amboise. Charlemagne's Carolingian Empire, the Capetian dynasty (987–1792), the House of Bourbon and the French Revolution.

The city's origins date back to Roman times, but it gained prominence in the Middle Ages as a strategic location due to its position on the river and proximity to key trade routes. The town is best known for the Château d'Amboise, a royal residence that became a favorite of French kings in the 15th and 16th centuries. King Charles VIII was born there and died after a tragic accident in the château.

During the Renaissance, Amboise became a hub of culture and politics. Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years in Amboise under the patronage of King Francis I, and is buried at the Château’s Chapel of Saint-Hubert. The Château also played a key role in France's religious wars, particularly during the Amboise Conspiracy, an attempt to overthrow Catholic leadership.

NOTE: This is the same King Francis I who played such a crucial role in Catherine de' Medici's life in France. The TV Series "The Serpent Queen" about the 16th century queen of France Catherine de' Medici, follows history very closely and is interesting, informative & entertaining if you are history buffs like we are.

For a complete list of who rules what & when, go to this Wikipedia Page for more details. The Chateau de Amboise has gone from Royal Residence to becoming a prison. Since 1840, the chateau has been a museum owned by the State.

Amboise offers a number of accommodations that blend historical ambiance with modern comfort. Here are five top places to stay:

1. Le Manoir Les Minimes: This elegant 18th-century manor house offers luxurious rooms with views of the Château d'Amboise and the Loire River. The hotel combines classic French décor with modern amenities, creating a serene atmosphere in the heart of Amboise.
2. Le Clos d'Amboise: A beautiful 17th-century mansion turned boutique hotel, Le Clos d'Amboise provides spacious rooms surrounded by lush gardens. Located in the town center, it offers easy access to the Château and the town’s other attractions.
3. Hôtel Le Choiseul: Set along the Loire River, this 18th-century property features a series of historic residences with a mix of classic and contemporary furnishings. The terraced gardens and outdoor pool offer a relaxing retreat.
4. Château de Pray: Just outside Amboise, this 13th-century château offers an enchanting stay with period-style rooms and Michelin-starred dining. The château's gardens and pool add to the luxurious experience.
5. Les Fleurons: A charming bed and breakfast in a 17th-century building with views of the Loire River and Château d'Amboise, offering cozy, well-appointed rooms in a welcoming setting.

We rented a really nice "gate-house" cottage that was located on a vineyard. It provided us with our own private entrance & parking, completely modern interior and parking was right next to the cottage. Less than a 10 minute drive from Amboise, and the ratings and reviews on VRBO are excellent. If you are looking for a comfortable place for a couple to stay in, we would recommend this VRBO cottage to you.

If you would prefer to do your own Amboise accommodations research, here is a link to a Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Amboise, France" sorted by "most popular rating". You can resort this list in any manner you prefer once you are on that page.

Amboise offers a variety of activities that showcase its rich history, Renaissance heritage, and natural beauty. Here are the top things to do:

1. Château d’Amboise - Visit this magnificent royal château, once home to French kings, with stunning views of the Loire River. Explore its grand rooms, gardens, and the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried.
2. Clos Lucé - Just a short walk from the Château, Clos Lucé is the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. The museum displays his inventions, artworks, and personal belongings, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of the Renaissance genius.
3. Stroll Along the Loire River - Take a relaxing walk along the tree lined and picturesque Loire River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy scenic views, historical bridges, and the charming town atmosphere.
4. Sunday Market - Experience local life at Amboise’s bustling Sunday market, one of the largest in the region. Browse a wide array of local produce, cheeses, wines, and crafts. Sunday's market is from 8am to 2.00pm There is a smaller market every Friday from 8am to 1.00pm. Market days in Amboise are very popular so to make the most of it try and arrive before 10.00am.
5. Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley - Amboise is surrounded by vineyards, making it an ideal base for wine tasting. Tour local wineries and sample the region’s renowned wines, particularly its whites and sparkling varieties. Click here to view a list of vineyards near Amboise.

Click the above image to view a larger Google Map

There are quite a few chateaux within a one hour driving distance circle from Amboise, which makes it a perfect basecamp for you to stay at while visiting this part of the Loire Valley. Below you will find the set of chateaux that we decided to visit. Use the "Read More" buttons to go to that page to read about that chateaux.

The first column below ("All Trip Destinations") lists all of our major trip destinations (for this trip) and the next four columns list each of our trip "basecamps" and then a list of what we explored from that basecamp. Each destination name is linked to it's page - so all you need to do is click that name.

NOTE: The Trip Itinerary & Overview Page is where you should start your viewing.

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations & Information Pages, click any link to go to that page.