Chateau d'Amboise
Do you dream of visiting Chateau d'Amboisea jewel of French heritage nestled above the Loire and Leonardo da Vinci's final resting place ? Would you like to delve into its fascinating history, admire its unique architecture, stroll through its gardens and discover its well-kept secrets? Are you looking for practical advice on planning your visit, including timetables, prices and access options?
This guide is your passport to a complete immersion in the world of the Château d'Amboise, one of the world's most beautiful castles. Loire castles. From its medieval keep to the chapel of Saint-Hubert, and its illustrious residents such as Charles VIII, François I, Louis-Philippe and Emir Abd el-Kader, not forgetting the genius Leonardo da Vinci, get ready for an unforgettable journey. Discover tips for an enriching visit, including how to get there, the opening calendar and the best ways to get there.
Join us as we explore the Château d'Amboise, a not-to-be-missed wonder of the Loire Valley!
Explore the Chateau d'Amboise: a royal immersion
History and cultural significance
The Château d'Amboise is a jewel of history, located in Amboise, France. Indre et Loire, témoignant de sa grande importance culturelle et politique à travers les siècles. Il a été le théâtre de rencontres historiques, d’invasions, de conspirations et d’événements marquants qui ont façonné son histoire. Parmi ceux-ci, la rencontre entre Clovis et Alaric II en 504, les invasions normandes au IXe siècle, et l’accueil de figures emblématiques telles que Leonardo da Vinci by François I. The château also witnessed the birth and death of Charles VIII, the Amboise conspiracy in 1560, and served as a detention center for Emir Abd el-Kader under Louis-Philippe, before being restored by the Fondation Saint-Louis in the 20th century.
The Château d'Amboise's cultural and artistic influence was particularly notable during the Renaissance, when it attracted artists, scholars, writers and diplomats from all over Europe. Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life at the château, is buried there. Other personalities such as Andrea del Sarto, Benvenuto Cellini and Cardinal de Richelieu have also been associated with this cultural landmark.
Architecture and highlights
The architecture of the Château d'Amboise is an impressive fusion of Gothic, Flamboyant and Renaissance styles. Although some parts have disappeared or been altered over time, the château retains major architectural elements.
The strengths of its structure include :
- The 11th-century keep, the oldest part of the building, was used as a residence and fortification.
- The royal dwelling, rebuilt by Charles VIII in a flamboyant Gothic style, housing spaces such as the council chamber and Saint-Hubert chapel.
- The Louis XII wing, built in Renaissance style, includes the State Hall and the Queen's bedroom.
- The terraces offer breathtaking views over the Loire and the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The cavalry towers, with their unique system of spiral ramps, allowing horses and carriages direct access to the château.
- The French gardens, designed under Louis-Philippe, are divided into several areas, including the Jardin d'Ornano and the Jardin du Midi.
Plan your visit to Chateau d'Amboise
Opening hours for an optimal experience
The Château d'Amboise is open all year round, except on December 25th and January 1st. Opening times vary according to the season: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in summer, and 9:00 am to 4:30 pm in winter. Detailed opening times can be found on the official website. Please note that the closing time indicated corresponds to that of the ticket office, and that the estate closes its gates 45 minutes later. For people with reduced mobility, we recommend arriving at least 1 hour before the ticket office closes.
We recommend you allow at least 2 hours to explore the château and its gardens. To avoid overcrowding, it's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon, except on public holidays and school vacations. Buying your tickets online will also save you time at the entrance.
Practical tips for preparing your visit
There are several options for getting to the Château d'Amboise: parking is available in nearby pay parking lots, such as the Mail or Île d'Or parking lots. You can also carpool or rent a car.
If you're arriving by train, the Tours-Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station is 20 km away and accessible by bus or cab. Cycling enthusiasts will love the cycle paths along the Loire, as part of the Loire à vélo initiative.
The château offers a range of services to enhance your visit, such as the rental of a HistoPad tablet for a fun and interactive discovery in augmented reality. Guided tours are available in several languages, and a boutique and tearoom await you for a complete experience.
On-site activities not to be missed
The Chateau d'Amboise offers a variety of activities to enhance your visit:
- Panoramic picnics, from July 5 to August 16, offer a unique experience on the château's terraces, with local produce and a breathtaking view of the Loire at sunset.
- Educational workshops for children and families provide a fun way to explore the castle, with activities such as coat-of-arms making and pen-and-ink writing.
- A visit to the Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last home, just 400 metres away, will introduce you to his works and inventions.
- Explore other UNESCO World Heritage gems with nearby Loire castles such as Chenonceau, Chambord, Cheverny or Villandry.
Chateau d'Amboise - Rates and access for a smooth welcome
Admission information
The visit to the Château d'Amboise includes free access to the château itself, its magnificent gardens, the Chapel of Saint-Hubert and an immersive experience with the HistoPad tablet for discovery in augmented reality. Prices are €16.40 for adults, €13.70 for students, and €10.50 for children aged 7 to 18. Access is free for children under 7, disabled visitors and their companions, journalists, guide-lecturers and ICOM card holders.
Ticket options and discounts available
Tickets can be purchased online via the château's official website or directly on site. Various discounts and options are available, depending on your situation. The twin ticket, for example, allows you to visit both the Château d'Amboise and the Château du Clos Lucé at a preferential rate of €28 for adults and €18 for children.
Reduced rates are also available for groups of 20 or more, large families, jobseekers, teachers and young people aged 18 to 25, at €13.70 for adults and €9.50 for children.
An annual subscription, allowing unlimited visits for one year, is available for €35 for adults and €20 for children.
Getting to the Château d'Amboise: directions and parking
Located in the heart of the town of Amboise, in the Indre-et-Loire department of France's regional Centre-Val de LoireThe château is easily accessible. By car, take the A10 freeway and exit at junction 18 or 21 towards Amboise.
Pay parking lots are available nearby, including the Parking du Mail and the Parking de l'Île d'Or. Visitors arriving by train can reach the château from the Tours-Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station, 20 km away, by bus or cab.
Cyclists can take advantage of the cycle paths along the banks of the Loire, as part of the Loire à vélo route.
Chateau d'Amboise - Conclusion
The Chateau d'Amboise stands out as one of the wonders of the Loire castles, offering visitors a majestic plunge into the history, culture and art of the Renaissance. Discover the château's exceptional architecture, fascinating past, magnificent gardens and iconic figures such as Leonardo da Vinci. Take advantage of a range of on-site activities, including picnics with a view, educational workshops and a visit to the Château du Clos Lucé.
To organize your visit, find all the information you need (opening times, prices, ticketing and access) on the château's official website. Don't delay, book your visit to Château d'Amboise now for a memorable experience!
Chateau d'Amboise - FAQ
Where is Leonardo da Vinci's tomb?
Leonardo da Vinci's tomb is located in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, within the Royal Château of Amboise, France. Questions remain, however, as to the authenticity of the preserved bones, following the destruction in 1808 of the collegiate church of Saint-Florentin, his original burial place.
Who lived in the Chateau d'Amboise?
The Château d'Amboise, a former royal residence during the Renaissance, was home to such emblematic figures as Charles VIII, who was born here and initiated numerous improvements, François I, guest of Leonardo da Vinci, and Catherine de Médicis, organizer of the Protestant massacre in 1560.
What's Amboise known for?
Amboise is renowned for its royal chateau, epicenter of the Renaissance court of kings Charles VIII and François I. The château was home to many artists and intellectuals, including Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb is housed in the château's chapel. Located on the banks of the Loire River, Amboise is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a privileged window on the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Loire Valley.
Who is buried at the chateau d'Amboise?
Leonardo da Vinci is buried at the Château d'Amboise, in the Chapelle Saint-Hubert. However, the authenticity of the bones discovered in 1863 remains uncertain, in the absence of DNA confirmation.
