{"id":7958,"date":"2024-05-02T11:58:07","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T09:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/visit-chateau-gaillard-amboise\/"},"modified":"2024-05-02T14:56:57","modified_gmt":"2024-05-02T12:56:57","slug":"visit-chateau-gaillard-castle-amboise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-gaillard-castle-amboise\/","title":{"rendered":"Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard (Amboise): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For lovers of gardens and the Italian Renaissance<\/strong>, don't miss Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard. This exceptional estate<\/strong>, which has undergone 5 years of renovation, is a real gem<\/strong> to be discovered for its lush nature<\/strong> and rich history<\/strong>.Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard<\/strong> inAmboise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

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This guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Is a visit to Gaillard Castle worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard is well worth a visit, both for its hushed atmosphere and opulent decor, typical of Rennaisance, and for its incredible green spaces. The estate extends over 15 hectares of park and forest, and offers a fragrant and soothing stroll. A true haven of peace, Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard is one of Amboise's must-sees<\/a>, and we recommend that you linger here for a while to take full advantage of its charm and tranquility.<\/p>\n\n

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What you can see<\/h2>\n\n

The 15th-century castle<\/h3>\n\n

Before setting off to explore the magnificent gardens, take time to observe the house. Remarkable features of this 15th-century manor include the square defensive tower housing the spiral staircase, and the medieval courtyard. It was thanks to Charles VIII, King of France (1483-1498), that the Ch\u00e2teau took on a Rennaissance appearance. Fascinated by the splendor of this movement during his Italian campaigns, he wanted to reproduce it at home in Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard.<\/p>\n\n

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The Ch\u00e2teau's magnificent interiors<\/h3>\n\n

The Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard will charm you with its opulent, colorful interiors. You'll stroll through a series of reconstructed rooms, richly decorated with period furniture. Each room has its own story to tell, such as the Salon de la Licorne (Unicorn Room), based on the legend of Anne of Brittany's Unicorn, or the Salon Louis XII, with its portrait gallery recounting the reign of this king, whose emblem is the porcupine, for his famous motto: \"Qui s'y frotte s'y pique\" (\"He who rubs it, stings it\").<\/p>\n\n

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Salon Louis XII at Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard<\/figcaption><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

For our part, we loved the cabinet of curiosities, where all sorts of objects are on display (perfume bottles, crystals, masks, etc.), each accompanied by a handwritten presentation card. A delicate touch that adds to the old-fashioned charm of the place! In addition to the refined decor, take the time to admire the collection of polychrome, hand-blown stained glass windows by master glassmakers, with different shimmering illustrations in each room!<\/p>\n\n

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Overview of the Cabinet of Curiosities at Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard<\/figcaption><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n

Les jardins du Roy<\/h3>\n\n

The first Rennaissance-style garden in France, Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard is the work of Dom Pacello de Mercoliano, the famous botanist monk (1453-1534), who turned it into a veritable Eden. To discover all its secrets, you can follow one of the 7 terraced paths. One of the most striking features of the garden is the group of magnificent parquet floors, in a cross plan, representing the 4 rivers of paradise (wine, water, honey, milk) around the fountain of Youth. Other remarkable features of the garden include the orchard, rose garden, vegetable garden and goat meadow.<\/p>\n\n

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In addition to the perfectly structured natural setting, you'll discover other surprises along the way, including magnificent antique statues, pretty bridges, a Gallo-Roman spring, a 15th-century dovecote and the dolphin arch, a reminder of the 16th-century wall that enclosed the gardens.<\/p>\n\n

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The Royal Orangery<\/h3>\n\n

Located below the Ch\u00e2teau, the Orangerie, with its 200 lemon and orange trees, is sure to please! It was Charles VIII who built the very first royal orangery. More than just an ornamental attraction, the orangery is also home to some 70 different citrus species, forming a truly edifying conservatory. You'll be able to find your way around thanks to the various labels explaining the species (bergamot, pomelo, etc.) placed in the terracotta pots.<\/p>\n\n

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The Mercoliano or citrus counter<\/h3>\n\n

Gourmets beware! At the end of the tour, you can shop at the citrus counter, renamed Mercoliano in homage to the monk Pacello. You'll be able to taste and buy a wide range of delicacies, including citrus jams, orange blossom jelly and orange wine. It's the perfect way to extend your visit on a gourmet note!<\/p>\n\n

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Fun caves<\/h3>\n\n

The estate is also home to several troglodyte caves, such as the bakery and the chapel, but the most fun of all is the Grotte du Diable (Devil's Cave), which has a tiny opening where children can hide, and the Grotte Olfactive (Olfactory Cave), where you can test your senses! Several citrus essential oils are presented for you to guess, making for an immersive visit.<\/p>\n\n

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The 15th-century bakery<\/h3>\n\n

In this troglodytic bakery, you can appreciate the period restitution made possible by the furniture and the bread oven dug into the rock adjacent to the bakery. Our only regret? Don't let the pretty buns be real!<\/p>\n\n

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The \"L'\u00e9pop\u00e9e des Jardins du Roy\" screening room<\/h3>\n\n

Take a tour of this small brick building, which houses an exhibition on the figure of Pacello de Mercoliano. This Neapolitan monk, architect of the gardens of three kings of France (Charles VII, Louis XII and Fran\u00e7ois 1er), is considered the greatest gardener of his time, and you'll be able to appreciate his work thanks to this edifying projection.<\/p>\n\n

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The age-old forest<\/h3>\n\n

We recommend you go beyond the Jardin du Roy and explore the different areas around the 15-hectare estate. In particular, you can take a walk through the age-old forest to recharge your batteries. Finally, getting off the beaten track will give you access to superb viewpoints over Amboise or the gardens. Below the estate, you can also admire the avenue of 180 plane trees, renamed the Cathedral of Green.<\/p>\n\n

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The teaching room<\/h3>\n\n

In the chapel adjoining the Ch\u00e2teau, you can finally discover an exhibition retracing the genesis of the 5-year titanic renovation of Chateau Gaillard, which required the involvement of 300 workers and 50 craftsmen (ironworkers, sculptors, ceramists etc.). In the center, you can also appreciate a large scale model of the Ch\u00e2teau as it was in the 15th century.<\/p>\n\n

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Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard in Amboise: how to get there<\/h2>\n\n

Where to find Ch\u00e2teau Gaillard<\/h3>\n\n