Winter holidays in Amboise
An entertainment program for the whole family to enjoy the winter holidays in Amboise
When winter settles on the banks of the Loire, the Amboise Val de Loire region unveils a gentle and comforting atmosphere, ideal for a timeless escape. Winter holidays are the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the great Renaissance sites in a more intimate setting: majestic castles, galleries steeped in history, and gardens with striking silhouettes, all enhanced by the winter light. Between cultural discoveries, shared leisure activities, and the art of living well, winter holidays here are savored as a special time, both restorative and inspiring.
Visit the castles of Amboise for the winter holidays
Royal Estate of Château Gaillard
Discover a little piece of Italy nestled in the heart of a 15-hectare wooded park. The illustrious Neapolitan gardener Mercoliano acclimatized citrus varieties here during the Renaissance. The troglodytic orangery still houses extraordinary specimens. Stroll through the rooms of this welcoming palazzo, all the way to Mary Stuart’s bedroom. After your visit, enjoy a comforting afternoon snack at the Citrus Shop.
Open Wednesday to Sunday
The residence of the kings of France is a living history book. Each room bears witness to the grandeur of the figures who walked its halls, from Charles VIII to Francis I. The Saint Hubert Chapel contains the tomb of the great Leonardo da Vinci.
Don’t miss the candlelight tour offered on Saturday, February 14th, starting at 6 pm, for a unique and intimate experience (reservations required).
Open 7 days a week
What if, for your winter holidays, you immersed yourself in the creative mind of Leonardo da Vinci? His last residence in Amboise invites you to discover the final three years of this great genius’s life. From the bedroom to the kitchen, each room evokes Leonardo da Vinci’s daily life. In the park, his most extraordinary inventions are just waiting to be put into action.
Don’t miss the “Leonardo da Vinci, Painter and Architect” galleries for a breathtaking interactive experience!
Open 7 days a week
Amboise 3 Castles Winter Special Pass
From February 7 to April 3, 2026, take advantage of a special rate for visiting the three castles of Amboise (Royal Château of Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé, and Royal Estate of Château Gaillard).
Save over €8 when you purchase the Amboise 3 Castles Pass for a visit between February 7 and April 3, 2026. Visits can be made on different days.
Please note that the Royal Estate of Château Gaillard is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Indoor visits
Discover a wonderful world filled with candies, caramels, and lollipops at the Conservatory of Confectionery. Witness the creative work of confectioners as they manipulate melted sugar into mouthwatering shapes.
Don’t miss the interactive tour, Tuesday through Sunday at 2 pm and 3 pm, and take home your own sweet creation.
Immerse yourself in the tropical atmosphere of the Touraine Aquarium. Several hundred species inhabit some forty tanks, from the waters of the Loire River to coral reefs.
Join us on Saturday, February 14th for a Valentine’s Day evening. Enjoy the private areas while savoring the menu from Frédeville Catering.
Just 5 minutes from the castle, the Amboise Art Glassworks welcomes you to its troglodytic workshop. Pierre Gallou, a glassblower, works with molten glass. Before the public’s eyes, he creates unique pieces with incredible dexterity! Open Tuesday to Saturday: tours and demonstrations at 2pm, 3:15pm and 4:30pm
The Amboise ice rink
The temporary ice rink in Amboise will be open from February 7th to March 8th, 2026 in the heart of Amboise! A whole month of skating, entertainment, and parties!
The ice rink opens on Saturday, February 7th, 2026: morning for children from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, ice show at 6:00 PM, and Ice Dance evening from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
Sports activities will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with music, games, and prizes to be won.
Themed parties will be held on Saturdays from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with music, games, and prizes to be won.
Closing party on March 8th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Snacks will be available on site.
Gloves are mandatory.
Concerts, shows and evening entertainment
Dance Performance “Blowing on the Embers” at the Beaumarchais Theater in Amboise
Friday, February 13th at 2:00 PM and 8:30 PM
A slam poetry, theater, and dance performance exploring the emotional and sexual lives of people over 60. The performance will be followed by a post-show discussion.
Candlelit Stroll at the Royal Château of Amboise
Saturday, February 14th from 6:00 PM
In an atmosphere enhanced by candlelight and the glow of a crackling fireplace, this evening offers a romantic and intimate way to discover the château. Musical entertainment will fill the rooms, and other surprises will add to the enjoyment of your evening, whether you’re a couple or a group of friends.
Access by time slots with reservation: 6:00 PM / 6:30 PM / 7:00 PM / 7:30 PM.
“The Last Cabaret” at the Théâtre Beaumarchais in Amboise
Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 PM
By the Théâtre du Sous-Sol Company. The end of the world is near… but a group of creatures chooses to celebrate life in a joyfully chaotic and sincere cabaret. (Free admission)
“Charlie” at the Salle Jacques Davidson in Nazelles-Négron
Wednesday, February 25 at 4:00 PM
In the heart of the extravagant cabinet of curiosities of a disturbing manor where the unexpected can appear at any moment, Charlie tries to escape the moods of his guardian, the formidable Mac Miche. A game of cat and mouse at which Charlie excels, thanks to her boundless imagination.
“Hilda” show at the Beaumarchais Theater in Amboise
Friday, March 6 at 8:30 pm
Marie Ndiaye enjoys playing with the cruelty of everyday situations. She pushes them to the limits of what is bearable. In these depths, realism flirts with the fantastical.
Family activities
Mosaic Weekend at Amboise Mosaïque
Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15
Amboise Mosaïque invites you to discover the art of mosaic on the weekend of February 14 and 15, 2026. This weekend will allow you to learn the hammer and chisel technique, explore colors, and play with andamenti (small, round, flat pieces of mosaic).
Reservations required: amboise.mosaique@gmail.com
“Facade Cake” Workshop in Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes
Tuesday, February 17 at 2:30 pm
After a tour of the village to discover its main buildings, transform yourself into an “architect-pastry chef” and recreate the facade of one of them using cake, candies, and fruit!
Reservations required
Children’s Mosaic Workshop at Amboise Mosaïque
Thursday, February 19th and Friday, February 20th, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Children will learn to create their own mosaic and discover the basics of this ancient art in a creative and fun atmosphere.
Reservations required: amboise.mosaique@gmail.com
Game Night in Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes
Saturday, March 16th, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
At the community center – On the program: a wide variety of board games, tabletop games, and role-playing games that will delight both young and old.
Food and drinks available.
Other activities
Val d’Amboise Solidarity Walk
Saturday, February 7th, starting at 1 p.m.
Join us for the 9th annual “Between Vineyards and Castles” walk. Welcome at Place Michel Debré. Four routes are available, with the option to participate in a grand celebratory dinner at the restaurant La Cave aux Fouées.
Flavors and Terroirs Fair in Noizay
Saturday, March 7th and Sunday, March 8th
28 exhibitors, including 18 winemakers and 10 food artisans, will be present. Free admission.
Noizay Gourmet Hike
Sunday, March 8th
A 10 km gourmet hike to discover wine cellars and learn about the Vouvray AOC. The tasting will be accompanied by dishes from the artisans at the Flavors and Terroirs Fair.
Departure from the Noizay village hall.
Visit the Loire Valley castles at a reduced price
Amboise’s central location in the heart of the Loire Valley makes it easy to explore the region’s most magnificent châteaux. Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Blois, Cheverny… the region’s most iconic monuments are within easy reach, inviting you to immerse yourself in Renaissance history.
Take advantage of exceptional rates by booking your Château Passes at the Val d’Amboise Tourist Office and save big. Up to €7 off per person per pass!
