Have you decided to visit Amboise in 1 day? Excellent idea, you won't have time to get bored! A veritable open-air museum, Amboise boasts 3 châteaux: the Château Royal overlooking the town; Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last home and a celebration of his genius; and the surprising Château Gaillard with its Italian gardens. The town also boasts a charming town center and soothing quays along the Loire.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Amboise in 1 day
What can you see in Amboise in 1 day? Is it long enough?
One day is all it takes to see Amboise's must-sees: the Château Royal, Clos Lucé and a stroll along the Loire River. However, we can't recommend staying overnight enough to take your time, especially as the town is an ideal base from which to explore the famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Getting around Amboise
Getting around Amboise on foot is ideal in the historic center, as many streets are pedestrianized and the majority of restaurants and points of interest are concentrated there. The Château Royal and Clos Lucé are close to each other and within walking distance, although there is a slight incline.
Château Gaillard is further away, but can still be reached on foot (18min from downtown), although a car is preferable.
However, to visit the Pagode de Chanteloup and the Parc des Mini-Châteaux, a car is recommended, as there is no public transport to these sites.
Where to stay in Amboise
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
Our ideal itinerary: 1 day in Amboise
In this itinerary, we invite you to discover Amboise's must-sees.
10am-12pm: Visit Le Clos Lucé
We suggest you start your day at Le Clos Lucé to immerse yourself in the world of Leonardo da Vinci. The summer residence of the kings of France, this château showcases the many facets of the Italian genius's work in the 15th century.
You'll be able to see the room he occupied until his death, a reconstruction of his studio, sketches and manuscripts in his own hand, and plenty of other immersive surprises to help you understand his life and work.
We particularly liked the garden, designed as an open-air museum with monumental models and an art trail.
12pm-2pm: Gourmet lunch
After a morning full of discoveries, it's time to regain our strength.
In fine weather, we recommend Restaurant L'Ecluse (a 7-minute walk from Le Clos Lucé), offering a creative, local menu in a bucolic setting, with your feet in the grass. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we recommend Restaurant Les Arpents, a must in Amboise for lovers of authentic, inventive cuisine. Find out more in our gourmet article!
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2pm-4pm: Digestive stroll through the historic center
There's nothing like stretching your legs after a good meal! Amboise's historic center is sure to charm you with its picturesque streets and famous Tour de l'Horloge. Built in the 15th century and listed as a Monument Historique since 1933, this impressive 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.
4pm-6pm: Visit to the Château Royal d'Amboise
Step through the gates of the majestic Château d'Amboise and let yourself be transported back to the Renaissance. Home to Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne, the Château d'Amboise also welcomed François 1er, and Leonardo da Vinci was buried here in 1519.
In just a few rooms, the rich decoration showcases the essential craftsmanship of the period: sculpted vaulted ceilings, monumental fireplaces and finely carved wooden furniture. And don't miss the magnificent garden with its breathtaking views over the Loire River, which meanders at its feet.
6pm-7pm: Sunset on the banks of the Loire
If you've still got a little energy left after such a busy day, we highly recommend taking the Pont du Maréchal Leclerc to the Ile d'Or, just a 12-minute walk away. From here, you'll have the best view of Amboise, its château and the poetic reflections it shimmers in the river.
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.
Alternative 1: Epicurean Amboise
Exploring the gardens of Château de Valmer
For lovers of gardens and beautiful landscapes, don't miss the Château de Valmer, which has been awarded the Jardin Remarquable label. These gardens, with their succession of Italian terraces, are unique in the Loire Valley for having retained their Renaissance design. A peaceful visit that ends with a wine tasting. The estate encompasses 35 hectares of vines, whose grapes are harvested on site and matured in the perfectly preserved tufa stone cellars.
Discovery of Château Gaillard and lunch at the Orangerie
Château Gaillard is worth a visit as much for its hushed atmosphere and opulent decor as for its 15-hectare estate. A true haven of peace, it boasts terraced gardens, a rose garden, antique statues, picturesque bridges and a centuries-old forest. After your stroll, we suggest you take a seat on the terrace for a tasty break where citrus fruits take pride of place!
Visit and tasting at Caves Plou et Fils
The Loire Valley is a renowned wine-growing region that invites you to explore its vineyards, and Caves Plou & Fils is ideal for an introduction. Carved out of the tufa rock in the 15th and 19thcenturies , these troglodytic cellars reveal the wine-making expertise of the Plou family, winegrowers since 1508. The guided tour includes a stroll through the 108 hectares of vineyards, a presentation on the steps involved in creating a cuvée, and of course, the best part - the tasting!
Alternative 2: Amboise as a family
Are you visiting Amboise with your family and looking for fun activities? Good news, Amboise has some surprises in store for the little ones!
Le Clos Lucé should fill your teenagers with wonder, with its many life-size models of Leonardo da Vinci and its projection room showing his masterpieces.
As for Château Gaillard, its immersive caves will appeal to the youngest visitors. The Grotte du Diable (Devil's Grotto) has a tiny opening for children to hide in, and the Grotte Olfactive (Olfactory Grotto) is an opportunity to test their senses!
Otherwise, we recommend two excursions that should occupy half a day with your children.
Take yourself for a giant at the Parc des Mini Châteaux
Just a 7-minute drive from Amboise, the world of Mini Châteaux is well worth a visit for young and old alike! Reproducing the Châteaux of the Loire on a miniature scale, the park gives children the opportunity to slip into the shoes of giants. Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy a panorama of French architecture in a single visit. See more photos in our dedicated article.
Dive into the mystery of the ocean floor at the Aquarium de Touraine
Just an 11-minute drive from Amboise, the Aquarium de Touraine is ideal for a fun and educational day out. The aquarium exhibits over 360 different species in an immersive, educational setting.
A number of fun features help children understand marine ecosystems and conservation issues.
Read more about our visit to the aquarium in our dedicated article.
Don't forget snack time!
We've spotted two addresses in Amboise for a sweet break:
- Le Salon de thé Chocolaterie Bigot, which we love for its divine selection of pastries, always accompanied by a delicious hot chocolate or gourmet coffee.
- Le Salon de thé Chantilly & Co (open Sundays): offering a farandole of delicate pastries and generous cakes (muffins, banana bread).
Last but not least, the Conservatoire de la Confiserie is a great way to combine a visit with a sweet treat. Your children can learn the nuts and bolts of candy-making, and then enjoy (in moderation!) nougats, pralines or calissons.
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:
Alternative 3: Unusual Amboise
Would you like to discover a more confidential side of Amboise? You can start in the city center with a sculpture hunt!
Amboise sculptures and the Chanteloup Pagoda
Sculptures include Jean-Michel Othoniel's Tour d'or blanc, at the crossroads on rue de Blois, and Alexander Calder's Crinkly, on rue François 1er. And let's not forget the sculpture of Leonardo da Vinci, in the guise of an Antique God, enthroned in majesty at 10 Quai François Tissard (photo below).
After this atypical discovery of the city center, we recommend you take a look at La Pagode de Chanteloup, just 11min from the city center. Standing 44 meters high, it bears witness to a vanished18th-century castle, whose style is a blend of neoclassical and Chinese influences. You can relax in the 14-hectare park or enjoy a punt on the pond. The most courageous will climb the 149 steps to appreciate the panoramic view over Amboise.
Hot-air balloon ride
Here's an original idea for an immersive start to your day in Amboise! For an hour or so, let yourself be carried away by the wind and discover the picturesque landscapes for which this region is famous, with its peaceful river, vineyards and charming villages. Read all about our hot-air balloon trip to Amboise in our article.
Other suggestions around Amboise
Embark on a bike tour
Treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Loire Valley from Amboise. You can rent your bike in the town center (there are several rental companies) and take the famous Loire à vélo route.
We also recommend the 4-hour loop n°47, which takes you through the great forest of Amboise and along the banks of the Cher to catch a glimpse of the Château de Chenonceau (more info here).
How about a guided bike tour of Chambord? See prices, info and availability.
Explore the Châteaux of the Loire
Amboise has the advantage of being at the crossroads of several emblematic Loire Valley châteaux, including the Château de Chenonceau and its unique architecture (20min to the east), the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire (25min) and its incredible International Garden Festival , and the Château de Blois (35min), which stands out for its blend of architectural styles.
Need more inspiration? Read our article on the castles around Amboise!
The wine route
If you're a lover of fine wines and wine tourism, you're in luck, as Amboise lies at the heart of the Loire Wine Route.
Fancy a tasting tour? See info, prices and availability.
There we met passionate winemakers and tasted some of the region's finest wines. Find out more about our tour ideas in our dedicated article.
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What you need to know for your day in Amboise
The weather in Amboise
When the weather's nice, we recommend that you come and enjoy the town of Amboise, with its magnificent châteaux and parks.
However, the climate remains mild all year round and very pleasant throughout the Loire Valley region, so come whenever you like!
Crowds in Amboise
The towns of the Loire Valley are popular destinations the world over. As the summer season is very touristy, the number of visitors can be higher. We therefore advise you to make advance reservations at Amboise's restaurants, which are often crowded between two castle visits.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
If it rains during your day in Amboise, don't panic: the town's two must-see sites, the Château Royal and Clos Lucé, offer a wealth of sheltered trails!
Amboise is also perfect for epicureans who don't want to get wet, as the many restaurants in the center are within easy walking distance.
Finally, you can opt for cellar tours like Ambacia or Plou& Fils for a sheltered tasting.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to visit several castles in a single day?
It's possible to combine visits to several châteaux on the same day in Amboise. However, it should be noted that these visits represent a significant amount of information to assimilate. Le Clos Lucé and the Château Royal, in particular, each deserve a dedicated half-day, given their vast parks and numerous rooms packed with fascinating information. However, you can combine one of these two sites with a visit to the gardens of Château Gaillard.
What are the most beautiful villages around Amboise?
In addition to the nearby Châteaux de la Loire, Amboise is surrounded by pretty villages to explore, such as the medieval Montrichard, the flower-filled village of Chedigny and the royal city of Loches. The hardest part will be choosing!
See our selection of the most beautiful villages in our dedicated article.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
