Location: Amboise
Top Things to do in Amboise
10 Sights & Landmarks in Amboise That You Shouldn't Miss
French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
Restaurants in Amboise
1. Chateau Royal d'Amboise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,378 reviews
With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river.
Reviewed By 70MikeMM - San Francisco, United States
Everything about this beautiful chateau is impressive - the setting on the cliffs above the river, the gardens, the staterooms, and the small chapel with the grave of Leonardo DaVinci. It’s an unforgettable experience.
2. Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,037 reviews
At the invitation of Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci came to live at the Château du Clos Lucé and stayed here for the last three years of his life, devoting himself to perfecting his inventions. Leonardo was prolific and inspired, working as an engineer, architect and theatrical director, organising lavish festivities for the Court. At his residence 300 metres from the Château Royal, he drew up plans for a model château for Francis I in Romorantin and designed the double-helix open staircase in the Château de Chambord.The Château du Clos Lucé is dedicated to showing and explaining to the public the great knowledge acquired by the Italian Maestro.
Reviewed By 76marab - Green Mountain, United States
This wonderful look at the life and accomplishments of Leonardo Da Vinci as seen through a day in the life at his home (for the last three years of his life) Clos du Lucé is so lifelike it feels like he might be back for lunch. Period music is playing, his writing, experiments and painting supplies are all strewn about and admits to it all are little vignettes telling you more about his inventions and life. Many miniature models exists of his prototypes and as an added bonus, there are animated videos showing via computer graphics how some of the larger scale ones would have or did work. Life size models on campus as well. Great fun for all ages. Restaurant and gif5 shop on site at this park like setting.
3. Chateau Gaillard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 601 reviews
The Royal Estate of Chateau Gaillard is a 15 hectares paradise of greenery located in the heart of the city of Amboise. It is the forgotten Paradise of the Renaissance in Touraine. On his return from Italy in 1496, young King Charles VIII fell in love with Italian cities and palaces and decided to recreate a "Paradise on Earth" at Chateau Gaillard in Amboise. In order to fulfill this dream, he convinced 22 Italian artists to come back with him to Amboise. Dom Pacello, the most famous gardener in 1500, was also part of the team. He planted the first gardens of the French Renaissance at Chateau Gaillard and acclimated the first orange trees in France. After 5 years of intensive restoration carried out by 50 artisans and craftsmen from the Loire Valley the castle is now open to the public. (Free Car Park 99 avenue Leonard de Vinci)
Reviewed By DAJ2908
A lovely secluded chateau beautifully restored by the current owner, a room is dedicated to the restoration- a labour of love. You can bring a picnic and sit in the garden on the deck chairs looking at the chateau. You can wander in the forest, check out their vegetable garden, we took some good ideas from this visit. At the end of the visit you can drink a delicious freshly squeezed orange juice with a lovely moist orange cake. To top it off, if you are a dog lover you could get to meet Max, the beautiful black resident Labrador, a big strong lad, but very obedient. The staff were first class and the owner charming.
4. Chapelle Saint-Hubert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Livetotravel221 - Western Springs, United States
It is a pretty little chapel located on the grounds of the Chateau d'Amboise. There really isn't much to the chapel, but it contains the tomb of Leonardo DaVinci. DaVinci spent his final years in Amboise as a patron of Francois I. They developed a close friendship and DaVinci requested his final resting place be in Amboise.
5. Girafe - Fred Chabot
6. Eglise Saint-Florentin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By molly894 - Irvine, United Kingdom
Stumbled across this charming church while visiting Amboise, the art exhibition was delightful and interesting giving things a very different perspective. Certainly worth the visit. A little gem
7. Eglise Saint-Denis
8. Statue Leonardo da Vinci
9. Tour De L’Horloge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Aint_Life_Great - Huntsville, United States
This is a beautiful old clock tower on a quaint street in Amboise. Definitely worth a quick look for sure.
