Explore the enchanting town of Amboise, known for its stunning Château Royal, Leonardo da Vinci's final residence at Clos Lucé, and charming streets along the Loire River. Discover the best attractions, activities, restaurants, and places to stay in this detailed travel guide.
Nestled along the banks of the Loire River, Amboise is one of the most picturesque towns in the Loire Valley. Famous for its rich royal history, Renaissance architecture, and its association with Leonardo da Vinci, Amboise is an essential destination for travelers looking to experience the grandeur and beauty of the region. With its charming streets, local markets, and proximity to some of the most renowned châteaux in France, this town offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and leisure.
Best Time to Visit Amboise
The best time to visit Amboise is during the spring and early autumn months, from April to October, when the weather is mild, and the Loire Valley’s gardens and vineyards are in full bloom. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:
Spring (April to June): This is one of the most beautiful times to visit, with flowers blooming in the gardens of the Château Royal d'Amboise and Clos Lucé. The temperatures are comfortable, usually ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), and the crowds are moderate.
Summer (July to August): Summer brings warm weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is the busiest season, with many tourists visiting the region, so it’s best to book accommodations and tours in advance. The town hosts various outdoor events and festivals during this time, including the Château d'Amboise sound and light show.
Autumn (September to October): Early autumn is a fantastic time to visit Amboise, with pleasant temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and fewer tourists. The vineyards are particularly picturesque during the harvest season, and it’s a great time to enjoy wine tastings at local wineries.
Winter (November to March): While winter is the off-season, Amboise still retains its charm with quieter streets and fewer tourists. Some attractions may have limited hours, but it’s a peaceful time to explore without the crowds. Temperatures are cooler, usually between 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
Getting to Amboise and Getting Around Amboise
Getting to Amboise
By Train:
From Paris: The easiest way to get to Amboise from Paris is by train. The TGV (high-speed train) runs from Paris Montparnasse to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (Tours) in about 1 hour. From there, you can take a short regional train (TER) to Amboise. The whole journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Tours: Amboise is just 20 minutes away by regional train (TER) from Tours, making it a convenient day trip destination from the city.
From Other Loire Valley Towns: The Loire Valley is well-connected by regional trains, so you can easily reach Amboise from cities like Blois or Saumur.
By Car:
From Paris: Amboise is about a 2-hour drive from Paris (220 kilometers / 137 miles) via the A10 motorway. Renting a car offers flexibility, especially if you plan to explore nearby châteaux and vineyards.
From Tours: A drive from Tours to Amboise takes around 30 minutes, with several scenic routes available along the Loire River.
By Plane:
The closest major airport to Amboise is Tours Val de Loire Airport, which is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Amboise. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a train from Tours to reach Amboise.
Getting Around Amboise
On Foot:
Amboise is a small, walkable town, and most of its attractions—such as the Château Royal, Clos Lucé, and the Amboise Market—are located within a short walking distance from each other. Strolling through the charming streets is the best way to explore the town’s historical sites and enjoy its atmosphere.
By Bicycle:
Amboise is part of the Loire à Vélo cycling route, which makes it a great base for exploring the surrounding area by bike. Several rental shops offer bicycles for daily or weekly hire, allowing you to take scenic rides along the Loire River or visit nearby châteaux like Château de Chenonceau.
By Car:
While you don’t need a car to explore the town itself, having one is useful if you plan to visit more distant attractions in the Loire Valley, such as Château de Chambord or the Vouvray vineyards. Parking is available near major sites like the Château Royal d'Amboise and along the riverbank.
Public Transport:
Regional trains connect Amboise to nearby towns such as Tours, Blois, and Orléans, making it easy to take day trips. The local bus network also provides transport to some nearby attractions, although schedules may be limited outside peak season.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Amboise
Top Attractions in Amboise
Château Royal d'Amboise
Why Visit: The Château Royal d'Amboise is one of the most iconic and historically significant châteaux in the Loire Valley. Perched on a hill overlooking the Loire River, this Renaissance castle was once the residence of French kings, including Charles VIII and François I.
Highlights:
Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the town and the river from the château’s terraces.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Tomb: Visit the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where the legendary artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci is buried.
Gardens: Stroll through the château’s beautifully maintained gardens, designed in a Renaissance style, which provide a peaceful contrast to the grandeur of the château.
Clos Lucé
Why Visit: Just a 10-minute walk from the Château Royal d'Amboise, Clos Lucé is the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, where he spent the last three years of his life. The house is now a museum dedicated to his life and works.
Highlights:
Leonardo’s Inventions: Explore models of his inventions, from flying machines to military devices, many of which are displayed both inside the house and throughout the surrounding park.
Interactive Exhibits: The museum offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with Da Vinci’s designs and ideas.
Park of Leonardo’s Dreams: Wander through the park to see life-size models of Leonardo’s inventions in a peaceful, wooded setting.
Château Gaillard
Why Visit: Often overshadowed by the larger châteaux, Château Gaillard is a hidden gem. Built by Charles VIII as a royal pleasure residence, this château is also known for its extensive orange groves, some of the first in France.
Highlights:
Gardens: The château features beautiful Italian-inspired gardens, with an abundance of citrus trees and flowers.
History: Learn about the château’s history as one of the first places to introduce Italian Renaissance garden design to France.
Amboise Sunday Market
Why Visit: Held along the banks of the Loire River every Sunday morning, the Amboise Market is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the Loire Valley.
Highlights:
Local Produce: Sample and buy fresh, local products, including cheese, meats, bread, fruits, and wine.
Souvenirs: Pick up handcrafted goods, from jewelry to ceramics, as souvenirs of your visit to the Loire Valley.
Eglise Saint-Denis
Why Visit: This historic church, dating back to the 12th century, is a peaceful spot to explore while wandering through the town. Its Gothic and Renaissance architectural features are worth a visit for those interested in religious history and architecture.
Highlights:
Quiet Ambiance: The church offers a quiet retreat from the bustling streets of Amboise.
Architectural Details: Look out for the beautiful stained-glass windows and stone carvings that adorn the church.
Pagode de Chanteloup
Why Visit: Just outside Amboise, this unique 44-meter high Chinese-style pagoda offers a fascinating contrast to the traditional French architecture of the region. It was built in the 18th century as part of the estate of the Duke of Choiseul.
Highlights:
Panoramic Views: Climb to the top of the pagoda for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside and forests.
Park and Gardens: Explore the peaceful grounds, including a small lake and beautiful paths for a relaxing walk.
Parc des Mini-Châteaux
Why Visit: Parc des Mini-Châteaux is a family-friendly attraction features miniature replicas of more than 40 famous Loire Valley châteaux. It’s a great way to get an overview of the region’s architecture in one place.
Highlights:
Perfect for Families: The park is an enjoyable and educational experience, especially for children, with detailed models and historical information.
Interactive Activities: Children can participate in games and learn more about the history of the Loire Valley châteaux.
Château de la Bourdaisière
Why Visit: Located a short drive from Amboise, Château de la Bourdaisière is known for its extensive gardens and its famous tomato conservatory, which includes more than 600 varieties.
Highlights:
Gardens and Park: Wander through the vast gardens, including an impressive dahlia garden and the famous Tomato Conservatory.
Eco-Tourism: The château promotes organic gardening and sustainable practices, making it a great spot for eco-conscious travelers.
Top Activities to do in Amboise
Boat Tour on the Loire River
Why Do It: The Loire River is the lifeblood of the region, and a boat tour offers a peaceful way to see the town and surrounding châteaux from a different perspective.
Tips: Look for traditional gabare boat tours, which offer an authentic way to cruise along the river.
Explore Amboise by Bicycle
Why Do It: Amboise is part of the Loire à Vélo cycling route, offering easy access to picturesque countryside paths that lead to neighboring towns and châteaux.
Tips: Rent a bike from one of the local shops and follow the well-marked cycling trails along the Loire River.
Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards
Why Do It: The Loire Valley is famous for its wines, particularly Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Amboise is surrounded by excellent vineyards where you can sample local wines.
Tips: Book a tour at one of the nearby vineyards, such as Domaine des Bidaudières or Domaine Huet, to taste wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Loire Valley
Why Do It: Experience the beauty of the Loire Valley from above with a hot air balloon ride. Floating over the river, forests, and châteaux is an unforgettable way to see the landscape.
Tips: Early morning or late afternoon flights offer the best light for views and photography.
Cooking Class with Local Chefs
Why Do It: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the Loire Valley by taking a cooking class with a local chef. You'll learn to prepare regional dishes using fresh, local ingredients and, of course, enjoy your creations at the end.
Tips: Look for cooking classes that focus on traditional Loire Valley recipes, such as those featuring local cheeses, wines, and produce. Some classes also include a visit to the market to select ingredients.
Where to Eat in Amboise
L'Épicerie
Why Eat Here: Located in the heart of Amboise, L'Épicerie offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of traditional French cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients.
Specialties: Try the duck confit or local Loire Valley cheeses.
Chez Bruno
Why Eat Here: Known for its fresh, local ingredients and beautifully presented dishes, Chez Bruno is a great option for a refined dining experience.
Specialties: Enjoy dishes like lamb with rosemary and fresh seafood.
Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Bigot
Why Eat Here: A must-visit for those with a sweet tooth, Pâtisserie Bigot is a renowned pastry shop and café that has been serving delectable pastries for over a century.
Specialties: Don’t miss the tarte Tatin and macarons.
Where to Stay in Amboise
Le Manoir Les Minimes
Why Stay Here: Le Manoir Les Minimes is a luxury boutique hotel offering stunning views of the Château Royal d'Amboise and the Loire River, with elegant rooms and impeccable service.
Le Clos d’Amboise
Why Stay Here: A charming 17th-century mansion-turned-hotel, Le Clos d’Amboise is located in the heart of the town, offering cozy rooms and a peaceful garden setting.
Château de Pray
Why Stay Here: For a true château experience, stay just outside of Amboise at the Château de Pray, a historic castle offering luxurious rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Travel Tips for Visiting Amboise
Leonardo’s Secret Passage: There’s a hidden underground passage that once connected Château Royal d’Amboise to Clos Lucé, allowing Leonardo da Vinci to travel discreetly between the two locations. Although it is no longer accessible for walking, the first few meters of the passage are still visible, giving visitors a glimpse of this historical feature.
Best Views at Sunset: Head to Île d'Or for stunning sunset views of Château d'Amboise reflecting off the Loire River. It’s a favorite spot for photographers.
Château Gardens at Night: During summer, some of the châteaux, including Château d'Amboise, host nighttime light shows in the gardens, illuminating the history and beauty of the grounds in a magical atmosphere.
Skip the Lines: Buy a combined ticket for both Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé to save time and avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season.
Ride a Traditional Gabare: For a unique river experience, take a boat ride on a gabare, a traditional flat-bottomed boat once used for transporting goods along the Loire River.
Wander Early Morning: Explore the Old Town in the early morning to experience the quiet charm of Amboise before the day’s crowds arrive. The streets have an enchanting atmosphere when empty.
Try Goat Cheese: The Loire Valley is famous for its Chèvre (goat cheese), particularly Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. Many local restaurants and markets offer this delicacy, so be sure to sample it during your visit.
Stay Overnight: To truly experience Amboise’s magic, consider staying overnight. In the evening, the town takes on a quieter, more romantic atmosphere, perfect for a stroll along the Loire River or a peaceful dinner.
Bike to Château de Chenonceau: Amboise is only 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Château de Chenonceau, one of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux. You can rent a bike and take a scenic ride through the countryside to reach it.
Wine Tasting in the Caves: Many wineries around Amboise are housed in troglodyte caves—natural caves dug into the soft limestone. It’s a unique and atmospheric way to enjoy a wine tasting, especially at places like Domaine Huet or Cave des Vignerons de Montlouis.
Explore on Foot at Night: Amboise is beautifully lit up at night, especially around the Château Royal d’Amboise. A nighttime walk around the château and along the river gives you a whole new perspective on the town.
