Amboise in spring — ©City of Amboise|ADT Touraine - Tom Besse

Visit Amboise

Enjoy one of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful postcards: France’s largest river, the sandbanks of the Ile d’Or, and the unique silhouette of the Royal Château of Amboise towering over the town. Yes, Amboise still embodies the spirit of ‘beauty’ imported from Italy during the Renaissance. The beach at Nazelles-Négron, which was recently developed, will allow you to take in this iconic view.

Why visit Amboise?

When the kings of France returned from the wars in Italy in the 15th and 16th centuries, they didn’t just bring back the glory of their military successes. Amazed by Milan and Naples, they brought with them the dream of a new art of living. It was in Amboise in particular that this thirst for change was to become a reality. Abandoning their sombre defensive fortresses, the kings were to build splendid edifices here.

Visit the Château du Clos Lucé, the royal estate of Château Gaillard and the royal château of Amboise. Charles VIII, Louis XII, François 1er, Leonardo da Vinci and Dom Pacello are just some of the great figures you’ll come across. And what magnificent gardens to discover.

Le parc du Clos Lucé et les inventions de Léonard de Vinci

Visiting Amboise with your family

While the Leonardo da Vinci models are a big hit with young visitors at the Château du Clos Lucé, the Touraine Aquarium and the Mini-Cakes Park are sure-fire favourites. Not forgetting… the hike “between royal lands and wild waters” (7 km / 2 hours), the escape game “the secrets of Amboise” and the confectionery conservatory!

©Conservatoire de la confiserie in Amboise|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND-MEHEUT

The must-haves d'Amboise

Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci

Where to walk in Amboise

Attracted by the Val de Loire‘s inclusion on the World Heritage of Humanity list, and by the town’s three châteaux, visitors from all over the world stroll through the shopping streets. As they do, admire Max Ernst’s fountain “aux cracheurs, aux drôles, au génie”, then Alexander Calder’s Crinkly. On the Ile d’Or and on the north bank, two other works catch the eye: the sculpture representing Leonard de Vinci in the guise of an Ancient God (signed Amleto Cataldi) and the Tour d’Or Blanc imagined by Jean-Michel Othoniel.

Push open the door of the church of Saint-Florentin, erected at the wish of King Louis XI. Max Ingrand’s stained-glass windows filter the light, illuminating works that occasionally take their place here. Once you’ve passed the Bigot chocolate factory (a local institution since 1915!), look up to see the belfry, also known as the clock tower, in the Rue Nationale. Or just sit back and relax on the terrace at the Oscar et Suzette guinguette!

The Amboise market

Takes place on the quays on Fridays and Sundays. With 200 stallholders, the Sunday market is one of the biggest in the region!

Discover the market

The restaurants in Amboise

About Amboise

Amboise is on the itinerary of la Loire à Vélo and the GR®3. There are also electric-assist bike hire companies on site where you can take a day trip to the château de Chenonceau, on the “La voie royale” loop (45 km). In a completely different vein, consider paddling aboard the Canadian canoes of Loire Aventure.

Rejuvenate in one of the wellness areas at the domaine des Thomeaux. Then embark on a vintage odyssey at the caves Ambacia. You can also do some shopping at the domaine Plou et Fils and the domaine de la Gabillière (Amboise wine college), as well as the grocery shop Galland Terroir.

The only remnant of the Duke of Choiseul’s immense estate, the Pagoda de Chanteloup is sure to amaze. And if you’re here during the summer, don’t miss the 14 July fireworks!

Oenotouristic and gourmet getaway

Le Clos de la Richardière welcomes you from Monday to Saturday, with two tours a day, at 11am and 5.30pm. Booking essential.