4 activities in Amboise when it's (very) hot
4 activities in Amboise when it's (very) hot
June has barely begun, and the thermometer is already showing temperatures more typical of August 15th! With days reaching nearly 36 degrees Celsius and a blazing sun from 10 a.m. onwards, finding relief from the heat becomes the primary objective for tourists and visitors passing through Amboise. Because a day of vacation can’t be limited to staying in an air-conditioned hotel room, the Tourist Office recommends four activities and sights to enjoy in Amboise when it’s (very) hot!
Visiting a troglodyte cave
It’s a unique historical feature of the Loire Valley that’s particularly timely during this period of intense heat in Amboise. The region’s subsoil is riddled with hundreds of galleries winding beneath the villages, castles, and vineyards. This extraordinary network of tunnels and galleries originated from the vital need for tufa stone to build the Loire châteaux.
These former stone quarries, once abandoned, were transformed into troglodytic spaces, offering all the possibilities their exceptional conditions provide. The temperature, a constant 13-14 degrees Celsius, and a humidity level exceeding 80%, make them ideal storage locations for wine. On both sides of the Loire River, you’ll find wine estates boasting beautiful underground cellars, perfect for aging our fine wines. Among the most impressive, the Caves Ambacia in Amboise offer a unique experience for discovering Loire wines. In the neighboring village of Chargé, Domaine Plou et Fils unfolds its underground galleries beneath its vineyards, cultivated for over 500 years by the same family.
Other troglodyte experiences are offered in neighboring villages, for example in Bourré, not far from Amboise, where troglodyte houses and a mushroom farm provide a welcome respite from the heat during the season.
Discover the Touraine Aquarium
Less than 10 minutes from Amboise, the Aquarium de Touraine is home to over 5,000 animals in 80 tanks and aquariums. Safely sheltered in its climate-controlled galleries, you’ll journey through three distinct ecosystems.
Your journey begins in the freshwater Loire River, where familiar species thrive. Trout, pike, and sturgeon frolic not far from the fearsome wels catfish, lurking in the depths. In the tropical zone, sharp-toothed creatures await, such as the voracious piranhas and spectacled caimans. A giant tunnel then leads you to the lords of the seas: the terrifying sharks. They will certainly be watching your every move in their territory. Your reward will be the chance to observe the marvelous clownfish and surgeonfish in their natural habitat.
To extend your visit, don’t miss the activities in the laboratory with the Aquarium teams, or the unique “Keeper for a Day” activity.
Canoeing down the Loire
What could be better than enjoying the cool waters of the Loire during this heatwave? Canoeing certainly means braving the scorching sun. And even if you let yourself drift with the current, it’s not without effort! But canoeing means splashing—and quite a lot of it! There’s the accidental paddle stroke that soaks your neighbor, and the deliberate one that cools them down. Both will be welcome to lower the temperature in the boat.
Especially since a canoe trip commits you for at least half a day. Departing from Amboise, you’ll be taken by bus to your launch point upstream on the Loire. The scenery that awaits you will alternate between wild islets and golden sand beaches, like a picture-perfect holiday postcard! Plenty of opportunities for picnic breaks in the shade before heading back out onto the water!
Even though the experience is refreshing, don’t forget to protect yourself (hat, sunscreen…); and we remind you that swimming in the Loire is prohibited due to the danger of its bottom.
Strolling through the castles parks
Visiting the castles is undoubtedly what drew you to Amboise. You simply can’t miss out on the most beautiful monuments of the Loire Valley. By planning your day well, you can enjoy excellent conditions for visiting the castles despite the heat. Plan your visit as early as possible, as soon as the castles open. Prioritize the interiors of the Royal Château of Amboise upon arrival to enjoy the coolness of the walls, and then continue through the park.
At the Royal Estate of Château Gaillard, 15 hectares of wooded parkland offer welcome shade. At the Pagoda of Chanteloup, the former estate of the Duke of Choiseul unfolds its centuries-old trees around the iconic monument. And at the Château du Clos Lucé, a 7-hectare park dotted with Leonardo da Vinci‘s inventions awaits you.
Opt for an early visit to avoid the crowds and enjoy the coolness that has accumulated in the walls overnight. And why not enjoy a refreshing drink or an ice cream on the shaded terrace of their restaurant?
So there’s no need to resort to tricks to enjoy your holiday in Amboise despite the heat. The region lends itself perfectly to stimulating and unique experiences, whatever the weather. And if you’re also looking for the cool respite of a troglodyte restaurant for lunch, we’ve got you covered there too!
