Location: Amboise
Top Things to do in Amboise
Top 10 Things to do in Amboise, France
Amboise in France, from Europe region, is best know for Castles. Discover best things to do in Amboise with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Amboise
1. Royal Domain of Chateau Gaillard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 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.
Reviewed By 441montmorency - Ballarat, Australia
we loved going to visit although only open now on weekends until the 1st November. the chateau not big but Gardens just beautiful , first lemon trees grown here by Charles the eighth with his gardener from Italy the designer of Gardens , just l loved the ambience and quiet of chateau after visiting so many grand abodes , if in Amboise have a look . And u can actually take picnic lunch unlike some of the bigger chateaus.
2. Chateau d'Amboise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 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 Cathy C - Olympia, Washington
Here you will find the simple grave of Leonardo DaVinci - in the little chapel that is separate from the chateau. In addition to the expansive views of the river, the city, and the countryside, the chateau provides a good look at what royal life...MoreMany thanks Cathy! Best regards.
3. Plou Et Fils
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By John M - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Having enjoyed wine from this vineyard in Hippeau Brasserie the previous evening I sought it out and wasn't disappointed. The Francois 1er, a local Touraine Amboise, was a find. Apart from local resturants this producers wines are apparently only sold fromthe site.
4. Le Chateau du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo da Vinci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 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 phidou - Provence
The castle in itself is nice but you are there for Leonardo and his work. Inside the castle nice room with his terrific invention as well as in the garden. Good idea to bring your own picnic and enjoy the magnificient garden for a break. I could have stayed there for 3 hours...
5. Office de Tourisme Val d'Amboise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By AeneasAtSea - Salt Lake City, Utah
I would highly recommend starting here for a number of reasons. First, they speak multiple languages, and much better than most, so they can answer your questions without confusion. Second, they can help you with tickets to the train and sell tickets to major local...MoreDear Travis, we thank you for your comment following your visit to Amboise. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit to our Tourist Office and found it most helpful. We will transmit your gentle words to our team of advisors and guides.
6. Les Caves Duhard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By AprilCWhite - Guildford, United Kingdom
We arrived just after 6pm on a Saturday evening, too late for a tour. However we had a tasting of 6 wines in total. Very enjoyable discussion of the wines. They have a lot of reasonably priced wines in addition to the more expensive vintages. Bought 6 bottles for less then €50.
7. Parc des Mini-Chateaux
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 594 reviews
You've seen your share of Castles, villas and chateaux. Now see them again: this park contains over 40 miniature models of the country's most famous chateaux.
Reviewed By Dawn on holiday - Southampton, United Kingdom
We visited on a very hot day and virtually had the place to ourselves. It was fun to wander amongst the chateaux knowing that we don’t have time to visit them all. Fun rides for kids on cars and horses on rails which are part of the entrance price. Drive the small motorised boats for extra. Nicely kept site and the miniature trees and shrubs are to scale with some pretty flowers. Chambord is impressive but I was disappointed by Chenonceaux (my favourite) as the small ‘river’ it straddles was filled with green weed and not at all representative of the beauty of the original. However having said that we had a lovely time there although I thought it was a bit pricey.
8. Eglise Saint-Denis
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Janicew13 - Lagos, Portugal
It was nice that they had a brochure in numerous languages that you could borrow in order to learn more about the history of the church and information on the windows, sculptures, organ, etc. A great church to easily see the different architectural types over the years. Well worth going through. We had a treat as the organist was practicing while we were there.
9. Eglise Saint-Florentin
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By UglyBuffalo - Raleigh, North Carolina
The church was turned over as a public monument in the 1990's. I t has undergone loving restoration after languishing for decades. Built in the 1400's, it suffered blast damage when forces resisting occupation demolished the nearby bridge over the Loire. The blast force blew out all the stained glass windows of this historic church. Now, it serves as a center for small Exhibitions. We saw what appears to be a semi-permanent display of works in the art form known as genmmail, lovely, unique, and at eye level, which facilitates seeing the complexity both of the design and of the beauty of the work. There are also permanent placards and banners that give the history to this revitalized, old building. It's just off the main town square, on the way to pretty views of the Loire. Unlike many attractions in the area, there is no entry charge. Don't miss it.
10. Marche Dominical d'Amboise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By aleciaf - Loomis, CA
This is the largest farmer's/flea market in the Loire Valley and it's really really big. There and hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh fish to cheap hats. It's wonderful. It also had a large selection of food (paella, hot dogs, couscous, belgian waffles, etc. etc. etc. Spend the morning and have a ball. We did.
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