If you pay close attention, you might be able to hear the whispers of Francis I in the gardens of the Royal Castle of Amboise or those of Leonardo Da Vinci, carried by the wind in the beautiful painting-like Loire landscapes. Take a stroll through the corridors of the castle and its unusual places, closed to the public, in the footsteps of the personalities that have marked France forever. End your tour of this place shrouded in history with a glass of sparkling wine; the opportunity to enjoy one of the best views of the Loire Valley.
The Royal Chateau of Amboise, in the heart of the Loire Valley, UNESCO (External link) World Heritage
In a Paris time, in the heart of the Loire Valley, World heritage, Amboise is a historic cityfull of charm dominated by its royal castle. This renowned site for French history was the seat of the Court of Kings Charles VIII and François 1st. Numerous men and women of letters and European artists stayed at Amboise on the sovereigns’ invitation, as did Leonardo da Vinci, for example, whose tomb is placed today in the chateau’s chapel.
Essentials
In the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci
The Florentine genius, Leonardo da Vinci arrived at Amboise in 1516, at the invitation of King François I. He passed away three years later and was buried, following his wishes, within the royal château. His tomb is placed in Saint-Hubert’s Chapel.
The royal House
Each visit has its own special way of looking at this exceptional site of French history: its political and artistic importance within Europe in the Renaissance; intimate moments in the sovereigns' lives, daily life in Court and behind the scenes.
Unusual visit
History from behind the scenes, Guided visit of the underground passeways and towers of the royal chateau
Individual visitors (in a small group formed on site) have exceptional access to the underground passageways and towers of the medieval fortress that are located underneath the Renaissance Royal House. When at the foot of the ramparts, you will enter the Garçonnet Tower that was built in the 15th century by order of Louis XI. You will then continue on to the Salle des Lys, which was once the refectory for the guards. From there, you will make your way along the rampart-walk which will take you as far as the ditches of the old keep, past the rooms containing lapidary fragments. You can then enter the maze of underground passages, taking you right to the Minimes cavalry tower.
A one-hour guided visit in French for individual visitors in good physical condition, from the age of 7.
Reservations by Internet are available up to 36 hours in advance.
Address
Château royal d’Amboise
37400 AMBOISE