Welcome to the charming town of Amboise! Prepare to be transported by this royal city, which has seen the greatest number of kings of France pass through its castle! You'll be spoilt for choice, between strolling along the banks of the Loire, discovering the treasures of its 3 châteaux or soaking up its warm atmosphere.
In this article, you'll discover a list of 8 must-see things to do in Amboise, illustrated by numerous photos. We've added some useful tips and bonus activities!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Visit the Château Royal d'Amboise
Why visit?
Impressive because of its position 40 metres above the Loire, it offers magnificent views of the river as it meanders along at its feet. Home to Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne, the château also welcomed François 1er, and Leonardo da Vinci was buried here in 1519. If its architecture is remarkable, its interiors will also take you on a captivating journey through time! In just a few rooms, the richly decorated rooms showcase the essence of Renaissance craftsmanship: sculpted vaulted ceilings, monumental fireplaces and finely carved wooden furniture.
Read our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: downtown.
- Length of visit: 1h30 for a tour of the royal dwelling and 1h for the exterior and gardens.
- Difficulties: some spiral staircases in the royal dwelling are particularly cramped. There's also a gentle but long, twisting descent out of the château into the Hertault tower, so don't get your sensitive knees in a twist!
- Prices: €13.50 (full price), €9.20 (7-18 yrs), free (under 7 yrs).
- Opening hours : daily from early February to late October, 9am to 5pm minimum.
- Parking: Parking des tanneurs is a 5-minute walk from the château and is free of charge!
- Eating out: No facilities inside, but a wide choice of restaurants at the foot of the castle and in the town.
- Avoid the queues, get your ticket!
2. Follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci at Le Clos Lucé
Why visit?
If you're impressed by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, you're in for a real treat at the Château du Clos Lucé, which showcases the many facets of the work of this Italian engineer and polymorphous 15th-century artist. You'll be able to see the room he occupied until his death, a reconstruction of his studio, and sketches and manuscripts in his own hand.
Plenty of other immersive surprises await you to understand his life and work, even in the park! Conceived as an "open-air museum", the estate features some forty translucent canvases, fragments of Leonardo da Vinci's works and life-size models.
More details and photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Access: 20min walk from downtown.
- Length of visit : minimum 2 hours.
- Difficulties: There are no major difficulties on the ground, although there are cobblestones in the château courtyard and a staircase to access the first floor.
The basement and first floor of the château and the entire grounds are accessible to people with reduced mobility. - Prices: €18 (full price), €12.50 (7-18 yrs), free (under 7 yrs).
- Opening hours : every day of the year from 10am to at least 6pm.
More info on the official website here. - Parking: pay parking on site, 300m from main entrance
- Catering: Several choices within the Parc du Clos Lucé itself, including a crêperie or a gourmet inn!
- Visitor numbers at Château du Clos Lucé are high, and have been rising in recent years. Book your ticket now to avoid the queues!
WHERE TO STAY IN Amboise
Downtown
To enjoy the city, its restaurants and castles, we recommend:
- Hotel Le Manoir Saint Thomas - view prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Le Manoir des Minimes - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien - prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Charming places nearby. We recommend..:
- Hotel Château du Perreux - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Château de Pray - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Chateau de Nazelles - prices, pictures and availability
3. Admire the panoramic view of the city from the banks of the Loire River
Why visit?
There's nothing like a break in nature after a day of cultural visits! For a bucolic break, simply head to the quays of Amboise for a visit that's as picturesque as it is peaceful. The banks of the Loire, lined with flowers and lush green meadows, create an enchanting tableau while offering a breathtaking view of the city's beauty. We highly recommend a visit to the Île d'Or, where the view from the Château Royal d'Amboise over the tranquil waters of the river is exceptional!
Practical advice
- Access: Only a 10-minute walk from downtown
- Length of visit: The Loire is France's longest river, so it all depends on the tour you decide to take!
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day
- Price: Free
- Difficulties: None apart from the distance you choose.
- Dining: There's nothing like a picnic overlooking the quays of the Loire! Don't forget to take your victuals downtown, as there's no on-site catering.
4. Stroll through the garden and orange grove of Château Gaillard
Why visit?
There's no doubt that you'll be charmed by the interiors, which perfectly recreate the ambience of an Italian "Palazzo". We were impressed by the opulence of the Renaissance decor, giving the place a hushed, shimmering atmosphere.
You can then explore the 15 hectares of park and forest, discover a Gallo-Roman spring and admire the view of the Roy's gardens from the belvedere. The visit will be both an enchantment and a sensory experience with the olfactory grotto.
Find out more.
Practical advice
- Access: 20min walk from the city center along a pleasant promenade!
- Length of visit: allow 1h30 to visit the interior and the park.
- Difficulties: a few steps to access the orangery and the château, but the site indicates that it is accessible to PRM.
- Prices: €16 (full price), €13 (7-18 yrs), free (under 7 yrs).
- Opening hours : 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the year. (See the official website here)
- Parking: free on-site parking
- Food & beverage: A range of food and beverage options is available on site, with a savoury menu and a selection of sweet products featuring citrus fruits! All served on a very pleasant terrace.
- Book your ticket now!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Stroll through the center and see the Clock Tower
Why visit?
Built in the 15th century and listed as a Monument Historique since 1933, the Tour de l'horloge is at the heart of Amboise's historic center. This impressive medieval tower once served as the town's main gateway, forming part of its fortifications. We particularly liked its sleek silhouette and reassuring presence on the city streets. Finally, you can discover other elegant and picturesque facades as you stroll through the historic center.
Practical advice
- Accessible 24 hours a day. A bus takes you into the city center. For more information, visit the official town hall website here.
- Tour duration: 35min
- Difficulties: None
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés in the area
- Tempted by a private walking tour of the center? See prices and availability.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
6. Entertain your children at Parc des Mini Châteaux
Why visit?
If you're in the mood to delight your children, head for the Mini Châteaux park!
This atypical museum offers visitors the chance to stroll through some of the finest Loire Valley castles, reproduced in scale models, in a green setting. An immersive, fun way to discover the diversity of French architecture! And there are plenty of activities on offer (horse racing, carousel rides, etc.).
Find out more in our dedicated article!
Practical advice
- Access: By car (2min from Amboise), by bus (20min), by bike (12min)
- Length of visit: allow 1 hour to tour the site and 1 hour to let your children enjoy the other activities (playground, horse races, carousel).
- Difficulties: None. The site is on one level and accessible to wheelchair users.
- Prices: €16 (full price), €12 (3-12 years), free (under 3 years)
- Opening hours : daily from April to October, 10 am to 6 pm (see official websitehere)
- Parking: free on-site parking
- Catering: A range of snacks (chips, cold drinks, snacks, ice creams) is available on site, as is a picnic area in the shade.
7. Explore the most beautiful Châteaux around Amboise
Why visit?
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, Amboise is just a 20-minute drive from numerous châteaux. Discover our selection of the 12 best châteaux around Amboise (photos + tips)! There's something for everyone:
- The dazzling gardens of Chaumont-sur-Loire or Villandry,
- The architectural diversity of Château de Blois,
- The refinement of Chenonceau, our favorite of the châteaux of Touraine and the Loire Valley!
If you don't like crowds, we can recommend more confidential châteaux, such as Château de Valmer and its incredible gardens, or the elegant Château de Montpoupon.
Practical advice
- Access: Although some castles are accessible by bike or public transport, we recommend that you drive to the various sites (all of which have parking), especially if you want to do a combined tour.
- Length of visit: Between 1h and 3h depending on the extent of the estates
- Difficulties: The length of the walk on site and the stairs to access the floors of most castles.
- Times and prices: Times vary according to location, and prices range from €7 to €20, depending on the discounted rate.
- Would you like to combine a visit to the Châteaux d'Amboise with one to Chenonceau? We've found the perfect guided tour here!
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8. Discover the art of living
Why visit?
Amboise is the perfect town for epicureans! The town will surprise you with its fine restaurants, featuring local produce. When it comes to wine, Amboise is in a class of its own, with a varied selection of nectars on the restaurant menu and numerous wine-tasting tours of the surrounding vineyards.
Discover all the tours available in our article on the Loire wine route.
Practical advice
For the best addresses, see our dedicated article very soon.
Explore the Ambacia Winery with an exhilarating guided tour: see prices and availability.
And if you want to mix it up, what could be better than a châteaux tour punctuated by wine tastings? Discover this gourmet tour here!
DISCOVER Amboise
- Things to do in Amboise
- Where to sleep in Amboise: best hotels
- Where to eat in Amboise: best restaurants
- Visit the Château d'Amboise
- Visit the Château du Clos Lucé
- Mini-cake park
- Best castles around Amboise
Things to do in Amboise: other ideas
Sculpture hunting
If you're a fan of contemporary art, you'll be able to visit a number of sculptures hidden away in various corners of the city:
- La Tour d'or blanc, by Jean-Michel Othoniel: to be completed in 2021, this 14-meter-high tower with a pretty lantern in the colors of wine (red, rosé and white) is a tribute to local winemakers. (More info on the artist's official website here)
- Alexander Calder's Crinkly dates from 1969 and was installed in 2022 on the esplanade of Saint-Florentin church. (More info here)
- Max Ernst's fountain "Aux cracheurs, aux drôles, au génie": inaugurated in 1968 on the quays of Charles de Gaulle, it was listed as an historic monument in 1987. It is a tribute to freedom and to Da Vinci's genius. (More information on the Cnap website here)
- Sculpture by Italian artist Amleto Cataldi: depicting Leonardo da Vinci in the guise of an Antique God. You can admire it, enthroned in majesty at 10 Quai François Tissard. For our part, we had fun shooting it from the back, as if contemplating Amboise's tranquility forever.
La Pagode de Chanteloup
If you're looking for something a little different, the Pagode de Chanteloup is a surprising 18th-century monument. At a height of 44 meters, the 149-mark climb offers panoramic views over the Loire Valley.
Built in 1775 by the Duc de Choiseul, it is the last vestige of a palace that has now disappeared. His style blends Chinese and neoclassical influences. And all around, in the 14-hectare park, you can enjoy a Chinese garden, ancient games and boat rides.
See the official website here.
Family activities in Amboise
All of Amboise's sites can be visited with your children, with a particular preference for the particularly didactic Clos Lucé, the sensory and immersive caves at Château Gaillard, not forgetting the really fun Mini Châteaux park! Also note that in July and August, the town of Amboise offers several performances of La Prophétie d'Amboise, a breathtaking sound and light show! More information on the city's website here.
However, if you're looking to surprise your children, we'd advise you to do just that:
- Aquarium de Touraine (11min from Amboise): Ideal for an entertaining and instructive day out! The aquarium offers a fascinating plunge into the wonders of the underwater world, with a wide variety of species on display, not forgetting the educational side! There are a number of ways to understand marine ecosystems and conservation issues.
- Château d'Ussé (1h from Amboise): The estate is worth a visit for its dazzling gardens and sumptuous interiors, but above all because it conjures up the imaginary world of fairy tales! At the top of the dungeon, your children will be delighted to discover wax dolls recreating scenes from the fairytale "Sleeping Beauty". Read our full article, with photos and anecdotes, on the Château d'Ussé (from Sleeping Beauty).
Need more inspiration for Loire Valley Châteaux to visit with children? See our list.
Things to do in Amboise when it rains
Amboise's three châteaux will keep you entertained even in the rain! The collections of the Musée - Hôtel Morin, housed in a 16th-century mansion built by Pierre Morin, a wealthy merchant and treasurer to King Louis XII, are also very interesting. Last but not least, take a look at the town's churches, including the Eglise Saint-Florentin, listed as a Monument Historique since 1962, with its remarkable stained-glass windows by Max Ingrand (photo below)!
Excursions around Amboise
Explore the Châteaux of the Loire
The list of Châteaux de la Loire is long(read more in our article!), and each site offers a unique experience, reflecting the region's architectural and historical diversity. The choice is yours:
- The spectacular Château de Chambord and its Renaissance architecture
- Romantic Azay-le-Rideau and s on the Indre waterside
- The classic Cheverny: discover its richly furnished interiors on an exclusive new guided tour!
Discover our excursions with visits to several castles departing from Amboise: see prices and availability.
Venture into the pretty surrounding villages
If you're in the mood for a bucolic getaway, you're well advised to choose Amboise as your base, as it lies at the gateway to a number of delightful villages:
- Chedigny (30min by car): this village looks like a full-size garden, so full of flowers! It is the only village in France to have been awarded the "remarkable garden" label. If you can, visit the village when the 1,000 rose bushes are in bloom, so you can savor the visit with all your senses. And don't miss the priest's garden, with its vegetable garden, orchard and medicinal plants.
- Montrésor (40 minutes by car): our favorite village! It's sure to charm you too, with its small castle, beautiful church, picturesque flower-filled lanes and lovely river running through it.
Need more inspiration? Read our article on the most beautiful Loire villages around the Châteaux.
Borrow the Loire by bike
Amboise is within easy reach of the legendary Loire à Vélo cycle route.
Read our dedicated article for tips on how to make the most of it!
If you're just looking for a day out, there are a number of signposted trails around the town and a number of bike rental companies in the center of town (see the town's website here).
We recommend this excursion, which includes a guided bike tour of Amboise, followed by a visit to the Valley of the Kings and the magnificent Château de Chambord: See prices and availability.
Useful tips for visiting Amboise
Where is Amboise?
The town of Amboise is located in the Indre-et-Loire department of France's Centre-Val de Loire region.
- Driving time from Tours: 25 min
- Driving time from Nantes and Nantes: 2h30
- Driving time from Orleans: 1h10
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Amboise
To get to Amboise, you can choose from the following options:
- By car: the town is well served by several freeways: the A10 (between Paris and Bordeaux) and the A85 (between Nantes and Bourges).
- By train: arriving either at the Tours-Saint-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station (8 trains a day between Tours and Paris for an average journey time of 1h10), then Amboise (14 trains a day and an 18-minute journey). Or a direct INTERCITES service from Paris gare d'Austerlitz to Amboise station in less than 2 hours.
From Amboise station to the town center, it's a 15-minute walk. Book your train ticket now!
Parking in Amboise
There are several options for parking. There are numerous public parking lots in the city center, as well as paid street parking. Find out more about parking here.
Where to eat in Amboise
Amboise has a great range of restaurants, and we've tested a few for you:
- Restaurant Les Arpents: discover refined local cuisine, awarded the Bib Gourmand, with a fine selection of wines.
- Restaurant La Breche: for a top-flight gourmet meal served in a warm, bourgeois setting!
Find out more in our next article on the best restaurants in Amboise (coming soon).
Want to taste Loire wines? Discover our selection of the 14 best tastings in the region!
Amboise in winter
Planning a stay in Amboise during the winter season? This is a very good idea, as you'll avoid the summer crowds. Tourism is booming in the Loire Valley, especially in summer.
Amboise and its surroundings offer a wealth of tourist attractions, even in the depths of winter. With its castles, numerous wine cellars and other sites in the area, you won't have time to get bored! All these indoor activities will help you get out of the cold. Just remember to check the opening hours of the venue beforehand.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
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