After having recently told you about the famous Clos Lucé, home of Leonardo da Vinci, let's now talk about the activities and things to see in Amboise. Even if the Clos Lucé is by far the most popular visit to do in Amboise, you will see that it is not the only one and that there are many others including that of the royal castle of Amboise.
We will also discuss, in this article, the practical aspects of a visit to Amboise by answering, among other things, the question of "Where to sleep during a visit to Amboise and its region?" ".
We will end with the things to see around Amboise since the city is usually visited during a road trip in the Loire Valley which will take you to discover the castles of the Loire, Blois or the city of Tours .
- What to do and what to see in Amboise?
- Where to sleep in Amboise?
- Practical advice for visiting Amboise
- What to do and see around Amboise?
What to do and what to see in Amboise?
Here are the top things to see and do in Amboise. All these visits are located within a radius of about ten kilometers around Amboise. At the end of the article, we will discuss the things to see in the Amboise region.
What to do in Amboise?- Le Clos Luce
- The royal castle of Amboise
- The chapel of Saint-Hubert in Amboise
- The Mini-Châteaux park of Amboise
- The Pagoda of Chanteloup
- The royal estate of Château-Gaillard in Amboise
- Touraine aquarium
- A wine estate
Le Clos Luce
Essential number 1 of a stay in Amboise, the visit of Clos Lucé, the famous residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Indeed, it is here, in this castle of Clos Lucé, that Leonardo da Vinci lived from 1516, then 64 years old, until his death, 3 years later.
During these 3 years, he created a lot of works, paintings, sculptures and inventions of all kinds. Now classified as a historical monument, the Clos Lucé attracts thousands of people every year who come to discover the creations of Leonardo da Vinci.
In addition to the castle itself, the gardens of Clos Lucé are a visit not to be missed. You will discover there certain works of Italian genius in real size and in operation. The visit is suitable for both adults and children, with fun activities set up by the castle.
The castle can be visited all year round and the entrance is between 14€ and 17€ depending on the period.
Buy your entry to Clos Lucé online and avoid the queues. The ticket includes entry to the castle and the park with the life-size inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.
Buy a skip-the-line ticketThe royal castle of Amboise
Located on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loire, the royal castle of Amboise is one of the emblematic Châteaux de la Loire, a group of monuments classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. It is obviously a must to do in Amboise.
The medieval fortress of Amboise became a royal residence in the middle of the XNUMXth century, when Louis XI chose it as the residence for Queen Charlotte of Savoy and their son, the future Charles VIII.
Attached to the castle in which he grew up, Charles VIII decided to stay there and set about transforming it into a superb Gothic-style palace. He is thus at the origin of two new main buildings, a chapel and two massive towers 40 meters high, in which huge ramps allowed riders and carriages to reach the promontory of the castle from the city.
The successors of Charles VIII will move the Court of France to other castles. Nevertheless, Amboise will remain a royal residence until the end of the reign of Henri II. François I, in particular, stayed there on many occasions and hosted great European artists. Leonardo da Vinci, for example, spent the last three years of his life in Amboise.
Significant parts of the Amboise estate have been demolished over the years. Nevertheless, there remains a remarkable architectural ensemble as well as superb Renaissance-style gardens. The main building still contains an exceptional collection of furniture from the same period. The entire estate offers a spectacular view over the town of Amboise as well as over the Loire Valley.
The Château d'Amboise can be visited all year round. An adult ticket will cost you €13,10 for a free visit with a booklet or for a guided visit. On site, you can benefit from the services of a tea room, a reception area and a shop. In summer, a sound and light show enhances the facades of this superb monument.
Joel Klinger
Skip-the-line ticket for the Château d'AmboiseBuy your skip-the-line ticket for the Château d'Amboise online and visit the city's unmissable monument without waiting.
A histoPad allowing you to benefit from a large number of explanations throughout your visit is also included in the price of the ticket.
Possibility of opting for a guided tour on site for an additional fee.
The chapel of Saint-Hubert in Amboise
Annex to the Château d'Amboise, the Saint-Hubert chapel was ordered by King Charles VIII and built between 1491 and 1496 in a flamboyant Gothic style. This chapel was an oratory for Anne de Bretagne, wife of Charles VIII.
It would now house the ashes of Leonardo da Vinci, who stayed in Amboise for the last three years of his life.
The visit to the Saint-Hubert chapel is included with that of the Château d'Amboise.
The Mini-Châteaux park of Amboise
If you are going to visit Amboise, make a stopover in the Mini-Châteaux park. In an area planted with bonsai over 2 hectares, you can admire 44 reproductions of the region's most beautiful monuments reproduced on a 1/25th scale, and more particularly of the Loire castles. Over 1,5 kilometres, discover the history of the Loire Valley in miniature!
The Mini-Châteaux park also offers a playground and attractions for children: mini Bugatti rides, etc.
The price of an adult ticket is 14 euros. You have the possibility of buying combined tickets and benefiting from discounts on other visits (Touraine aquarium, etc.).
Source: Mini Castles Park
The Pagoda of Chanteloup
The Duc de Choiseul, Prime Minister of Louis XV, bought the Chanteloup estate in 1761 and had it refurbished according to the taste of the time. Exiled from the Court a few years later, he erected the Pagoda in 1775 to pay tribute to the people who supported him during this period.
Inspired by the Kew Gardens pagoda, the 44-metre-high monument offers breathtaking views of the Loire Valley and the Amboise forest. Supported by pillars and columns, it overlooks a half-moon piece of water in which it is reflected.
The pagoda, the half-moon basin and three pavilions are today the only vestiges of the Chanteloup estate, which was completely demolished by property dealers in 1823.
Visiting the pagoda takes about an hour with a brochure, and 30-minute guided tours are organized from June to August. If you are looking for activities to do in Amboise with children, the visit "Les Mystères de Chanteloup" will allow you to discover the park through fun puzzles for the whole family.
Source: The Pagoda of Chanteloup
The royal estate of Château-Gaillard in Amboise
Ordered by King Charles VIII on his return from the war in Italy, the Château-Gaillard estate was built in 1496. The first Renaissance-style building in France, its architectural style and gardens are directly inspired by Italian artistic influence.
Remarkably restored, you can still visit its superb gardens, its main building and its orangery in which the first French orange trees were acclimatized.
The area is open every day, for a price of 13 euros per adult. A catering service is available in the castle grounds.
Touraine aquarium
When you've finished visiting Amboise, be sure to stop by the Grand Aquarium de Touraine in Lussault-sur-Loire (10 minutes away), the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe.
From the sources of the Loire to tropical fresh waters, you can discover thousands of species from all over the world: piranhas, trout, catfish, etc. A tactile pool will allow you to admire and get to know superb Koi carp.
Open every day, the adult price is 14 euros. You can take combined tickets with the Mini-Châteaux park, and visit both for 22 euros.
A wine estate
To finish on the visits to be made in Amboise, I suggest you make a stop in one of the many wine estates located in the surroundings. This region is famous for its Loire wines. A visit to a cellar will allow you to discover its wines if you do not know them yet. You will learn more about this wine region and the traditions. And then, it will also allow you to visit sumptuous places. The choice is vast in the region! You can find all the cellars to visit on the website ruedesvignerons.com which references all the visits to be made in France on the theme of wine. You will also find self-guided tours, guided tours or even tastings, it varies depending on the estate.
Of course, alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
Where to sleep in Amboise?
Let's move on to the other practical part of this article, housing. You will find here some addresses of hotels or lodgings where to sleep in Amboise.
We have divided the accommodation offer in Amboise into 3 categories: high-end hotels, AirBnbs and low-cost hotels.
Remember that Amboise is an excellent base for visiting the region.
High-end hotels where to sleep in Amboise
Amboise is home to some very beautiful luxury hotels offering a sumptuous setting to stay in the city.
The Pavillon des Lys
Le Pavillon des Lys is an upscale hotel located in the center of Amboise, a few minutes walk from the royal castle. The hotel offers spacious rooms that are particularly well decorated, combining period style and modernity. The decoration is neat and the services offered are particularly appreciated by visitors passing through the establishment. Standing, Decoration, Reception See prices
Saint Thomas Manor
Located a stone's throw from the Château d'Amboise, the Manoir Saint Thomas is one of the best rated addresses in the city. The mansion is surrounded by a large park with a beautiful swimming pool. You can also enjoy the living room and the fireplace. Location, Decoration, Hospitality See rates
With Rabelaisian charm
Located in the heart of the historic district of Amboise, the Boutique Hotel "Au Charme Rabelaisien" has taken place in an XNUMXth century residence with incredible charm. Perfectly renovated and furnished with period furniture, this hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. It is equipped with a heated outdoor swimming pool and a beautiful terrace overlooking a small park. Location, Setting, Pool See rates
AirBnB in Amboise
If you are looking for Airbnb where to sleep in Amboise, here are 3 particularly well-placed and practical addresses.
Quiet studio with terrace
Enjoy an entire accommodation in this studio that can accommodate 2 people. With a very pleasant little terrace, this AirBnb is ideally located on the banks of the Loire, a stone's throw from the royal castle. Studio See prices
Quiet duplex, view of the Loire
This duplex, also located on the banks of the Loire, close to the historic center of Amboise, is ideal for a stay in the city. Ideal for 2 people, with its separate bedroom, this accommodation with a convertible sofa can accommodate 4 people. Duplex See rates
Private room 100m from the castle
Rent a separate room with an area of 15m2 in a pedestrian street 100m from the royal castle of Amboise. The welcoming hosts have a very good rating on the AirBnB site. Room See prices
Budget hotels in Amboise
Here are 3 addresses of hotels that will suit small budgets.
Ibis Amboise
Our first "low budget" accommodation is located slightly outside the center of Amboise, about 5 km from the castle. A well-known hotel chain in France, the Ibis offers double or triple rooms at very attractive prices. You can enjoy the buffet breakfast provided. A simple but quality establishment that will do the trick for a short stay in the region. Small budget See prices
Best Western Le Vinci Loire Valley
Another hotel chain "Best Western" offers you to stay on the outskirts of the city center of Amboise, in a charming residence. The establishment mainly offers double rooms with neat and unique decoration, all in the theme of the region. Small budget See prices
Logis Hotel Chaptal
Located more in the center of Amboise, the Logis hotel allows you to discover Amboise on foot. You can choose between double or triple rooms. The rooms are carefully decorated and the establishment offers a lounge area for reading or working. This hotel is the best rated in our selection of “low budget” hotels. Small budget See prices
Practical advice for visiting Amboise
How to get in Amboise?
Several solutions to get to Amboise, go there with your own car by road, or by train or plane then opt for a car rental to continue your road trip in the Loire Valley.
- By road: 3 motorways pass near Amboise, the A10 which connects Paris to Bordeaux, the A28, from Rouen to Tours and finally the A85 between Nantes and Bourges.
- By train: Amboise is about 1h30 by train from Paris. You can get there by TGV from Paris Montparnasse, you will then arrive at Saint Pierre-des-Corps about 20km from Amboise or by TER from Paris Austerlitz. To find out more about train connections to Amboise, you can go to TrainLine.
- By plane: The nearest airport is in Tours, Tours Val De Loire airport located about 25km from Amboise.
How long to visit Amboise?
A day to a day and a half is enough to visit most of Amboise. The town is not very big and the places of interest are not far away, such as Clos Lucé and the Château Royal d'Amboise.
Amboise is an ideal stopover during a road trip in the Loire Valley.
Where to park in Amboise?
4 free car parks are located near the center of Amboise:
- Market Square: 650 seats
- The Mail: 150 places
- Tanners car park: 220 spaces
- Place Richelieu: 150 spaces
What to do and see around Amboise?
Now let's move on to things to do around Amboise. The city is located in the middle of the Loire Valley which is full of things to see and do. Here is a brief overview of places of interest in the Amboise region.
- Tours: with less than 30 kilometers separating Amboise and Tours, the latter city is worth the detour! Between culture, history, gastronomy and art, you will discover a pleasant city to visit. Whether it is its historic center, its beautiful old monuments, its castle or its various museums, there are many things to visit. Without forgetting the wealth of wine in the surroundings which will delight more than one!
- Blois: located 35 kilometers northeast of Amboise, Blois is one of the interesting towns to discover in the region. You can visit its castle, the house of magic or the gardens of the former bishopric. In addition to the monuments to visit, Blois is a pleasant city, on the banks of the Loire which conceals pretty places to have a drink or eat on the terrace.
- The castles of the Loire: they are inevitably part of the essentials of the Amboise region. It would even be a shame to visit Amboise without visiting some of the castles in the region. We have dedicated a complete article to the castles of the Loire, I invite you to take a look. You can opt for a guided tour of the main castles of the Loire departing from Amboise.
- Beauval Zoo: located about forty kilometers from Amboise, Beauval Zoo is also one of the region's must-sees. One of the largest zoos in Europe but also one of the most popular with visitors, Beauval Zoo will delight young and old alike.
