Bucket list experience:
Poised imposingly above the Loire River, Amboise today may be only a fraction of its original size, but it still gives the feel of a royal residence.
First constructed under the reign of Charles VIII in the late 15th century, it became a favoured place of residence for French kings and queens from then on until the 19th century. The website lists the long list of illustrious guests and their biographies that stayed here.
Today you can wander from vaulted medieval guardrooms with suits of armour to tapestry-hung halls, to the red silks and mahogany of Restoration monarch Louis-Philippe. Interactive multi-media exhibits and audio guides in English on iPads bring the castle’s history to life. The occasional balcony or roofs offer panoramic views across the region fit for a king.
The tiny vaulted Gothic chapel contains the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life in the nearby Clos Luce.
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Destination Guide >Amboise can be reached by local train. The chateau is a 15-minute walk from the station, across the river.
There are interactive multi-media exhibits and audio guides in English on iPads that bring the castle’s history to life.
In the summer months, there are special behind-the-scenes guided tours of Amboise’s towers and maze of underground tunnels that survive from the medieval fortress beneath the Renaissance residence.
The chateau is open all year round, seven days a week.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Tours
€176 | Rating 5 / 5 [16 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Tours
€215 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [13 ratings]
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Loire Valley
€750 | Rating 4.9 / 5 [20 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Turquant, Pays de la Loire, France[21.7 miles]
This quirky, rustic-chic hotel in a troglodyte hamlet has a cave pool and makes a good base for sightseeing.
Official star rating:
Montsoreau, Pays de la Loire, France[22.5 miles]
Gorgeous designer boutique hotel and spa, located in a tranquil village right by the River Loire.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Loire Valley, France
Extraordinary historic chateaux, authentic village life, and superb wine blend in this beautiful UNESCO-listed valley.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Saumur, Pays de la Loire, France[17.8 miles]
A postcard-perfect, medieval town famed for its troglodyte wine cellars (filled with excellent wines) and majestic hilltop chateau.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Montsoreau, Pays de la Loire, France[22.5 miles]
Seek out bargains at this riverside fleamarket held on the second Sunday of each month at Montsoreau. Old books, trinkets, lace, furniture and more.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
