Featured image of Chateau D'Amboise

Chateau D’Amboise Visitor Guide

LocationAmboise, Loire Valley, France (Google Maps)
Open for VisitorsYes
Official WebsiteChateau d’Amboise
Rooms AvailableNo

Situated on a cliff over the grand Loire River and the attractive French town of Amboise is a quintessential French chateau referred to suitably as Chateau d’Amboise. With its spectacular ridge-like setting and a beautiful view of the French open country, it’s unmistakable why this area was chosen for one of the more impressive chateaux of the Loire Valley.

Chateau D’Amboise History

The chateau was based on the groundworks of an old fortification, and its position roosted high on a projection sitting above the Loire, offering a strong guard against any gatecrashers. Charles VII seized the chateau during the 1400s after its proprietor, Louise d’Amboise, was engaged in a plot against the government. He was later pardoned; however, the manor stayed in possession of the ruler. Amboise saw numerous rulers of France who were born, lived, and expired there.

Amboise’s acclaim crested between the finish of the fifteenth century and the start of the sixteenth. Charles VIII spent his entire youth in the old palace and, once as the youthful King, contemplated revamping and broadening his home into a more extravagant and comfortable place.

But in 1496, everything changed: the King had been battling in Italy and had found the Renaissance. He returned to Amboise with many ‘novelties’ like furnishings, pieces of art, and Italian textures, along with specialists – planners, painters, stone carvers, and designers. The King died in Amboise from a head injury at 27, over two years after he retreated from Italy. He struck his head on the lintel of an entryway while playing Jeu de Paume (old-style tennis), fell into a coma, and died.

Various scholarly figures and specialists were welcomed here, such as Leonardo da Vinci whose burial chamber is preserved at the château.

Chateau D’Amboise Architecture

Amboise castle aerial view
Amboise castle aerial view”, by Lieven Smits, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The architecture of this old chateau shows the history of France and shows you different periods of France’s history.

The prevailing renaissance style of Château d’ Amboise in the Loire Valley, France, is there so that you can see a long time before you even enter the town. Its position high over the Loire stream makes it clear from indeed a distance as you drive along the streets on the river bank. This illustrious Château is subsequently the declaration of French-style extravagance. From its galleries, rooftops, and terraced gardens, you can take in the Loire scene and have a great time in what the kings delighted in.

Intrigued by the elegance and sophistication of this new style, Charles VIII made a series of modifications and enhancements which transformed Amboise into an ideal representation of Early Renaissance engineering. These incorporated the Gothic wing that faces the stream, the Tour des Minimes, the Oratory of Anne de Bretagne, and a wide cluster of luxurious furnishings.

Gothic Wing

The Salle des Etats (Hall of State) is a massive lobby with block and stone walls and a vaulted roof upheld by sections. The Gothic wing faces the Loire. Flemish experts made the Oratoire d’ Anne de Bretagne, which is viewed as a competent representation of the Flamboyant Gothic style.

Renaissance Wing

Charles VIII’s heir, Louis XII, built the Renaissance wing at the right point with the Gothic wing. A Man of delight, extravagance, and magnificence, the charismatic ruler carried prestige to Amboise, where he gave grand festivities.

The confidential condos on the upper floor of the Renaissance wing were subsequently rearranged in Empire style for Louis-Philippe.

At long last, the ruler authorized Italian gardeners to landscape the gardens. Amboise Castle was nearly completed when he died in 1498.

Today, Château d’Amboise is available to the public and remains a staggering Renaissance castle, with guests ready to stroll in the strides of a portion of Europe’s most well-known historical figures.

You can also read about the beautiful architecture of Chateau de Valencay!

How To Travel

How to get to Chateau D’Amboise from Paris by train – Direct trains leave the Paris Austerlitz train station in the thirteenth arrondissement. You can get to Austerlitz Station from lines 5 and 10 on the metro or the RER line C. The direct train takes around 1.5 to 2 hours from Paris to Amboise. Note: ensure the train goes direct to Amboise (direction Bayeux). You might need to move to St. Pierre des Corps. Specific individuals take the TGV to St. Pierre des Corps and lease a vehicle from that point.

From Tours to Amboise by train: Daily trains from Tours to Amboise practically every hour. Travel time is around 20 minutes. To visit the chateau, you’ll have to cross the bridge.

Chateau D’Amboise Nearby Places

Assuming you have a lot of time in Amboise, there are two other significant landmarks to visit! The house where Leonardo da Vinci resided is at Clos Lucé, and you can likewise visit the Domaine Royal of Château Gaillard and the Gardens of the King, a recently revamped home and gardens just past Clos Lucé.

Eat: Once you leave the manor, you’ll stroll down the incline and see Bigot, an intriguing cafe and patisserie. Bigot is at 2 Rue nationale, 37400 Amboise.

Just three km south of the town of Amboise is the Mini Chateaux Park, where you can see an outline of the chateaux of the Loire Valley spread out over 1.5 km.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Chateau d’Amboise built?

The historical backdrop of the Château d’Amboise traces back to the eleventh century when the Count of Anjou constructed the palace on the projection, studying the Loire River, as a defence strategy.

Is the Chateau D’Amboise tour open now?

The Royal Chateau of Amboise is open for guests daily aside from Christmas Day and New Year. Opening times are 9:00 a.m., while shutting hours shift from 4:45 to 7:00 p.m., contingent upon the season. In the low season, it might close at lunch.

Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!

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