10 unmissable activities in Amboise
10 unmissable activities in Amboise
In the heart of the Loire Valley and its extraordinary châteaux, Amboise shines brightly! A former royal capital, the town boasts an exceptional architectural, natural, and artisanal heritage. Between château visits, outdoor activities, and discovering local crafts, Amboise is a destination offering a wealth of experiences. We invite you to discover 10 must-do activities in Amboise for your next vacation!
The Royal Château of Amboise
The first of the Loire Valley châteaux built during the Renaissance, the Royal Château of Amboise stands majestically above the rooftops of Amboise. It offers a breathtaking panorama of the town and the magnificent Loire landscapes. Its Saint-Hubert Chapel houses the presumed remains of the great Leonardo da Vinci. Its interiors tell the story of the kings and queens of France, such as Charles VIII and Francis I.
Our top tip: Grab an Histopad and discover the château in a fun and interactive way.
Château du Clos Lucé
The spirit of Leonardo da Vinci pervades every room and every path in the gardens of the Château du Clos Lucé. This elegant manor house, featured here, once witnessed the wanderings of the greatest artist of the Renaissance. Visiting the Château du Clos Lucé is, above all, to immerse oneself in the daily life of Leonardo da Vinci. The grounds showcase life-size models of his creations, and the interactive gallery displays his most famous paintings.
Our top tip: Take the guided tour with Mathurine, Leonardo da Vinci’s vivacious cook, and learn all his little secrets.
Royal Estate of Château Gaillard
Nestled in the heart of a 15-hectare wooded park, the Royal Estate of Château Gaillard is a jewel of stone in a verdant haven. This Neapolitan-inspired palace has hosted some of the greatest figures of the Renaissance, including Pacello da Mercoliano, the genius of gardens. Château Gaillard served as his laboratory for Renaissance garden design, with its colorful flowerbeds, its fountain of youth, and its troglodytic orangery.
Our top tip: Enjoy a gourmet moment at the Citrus Counter and savor delicious orange specialties.
Pagoda of Chanteloup
Standing 40 meters tall, the Pagoda of Chanteloup dominates the Amboise landscape. Built by the Duke of Choiseul as a tribute to his loyal friends, it adds a touch of exoticism to Amboise’s heritage. Exploring its grounds invites you to disconnect, surrounded by centuries-old trees and an oriental garden. Around fifteen wooden games dot the visitor’s path, offering opportunities to test your skills and share convivial moments with family or friends.
Our top tip: Take a few minutes to navigate the pond in a rowboat; impressive koi carp swim around you!
Mini-Castle Park
The Mini-Châteaux Park in Amboise offers the chance to discover the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley in a single visit. More than 40 giant models of these jewels are scattered throughout a 2-hectare flower-filled park. Each one is presented in its historical context. A carousel and playground add to the experience, combining cultural discovery and fun, much to the delight of children!
Our top tip: After your visit, enjoy a friendly round of mini-golf, located at the park’s entrance.
Touraine Aquarium
The Touraine Aquarium invites you to dive into the diversity of the world’s rivers, seas, and oceans. In the fresh waters of the Loire, the fearsome wels catfish lurks in the muddy bottom. In tropical zones, caimans and piranhas bare their sharp teeth, while the Pacific Ocean is home to dazzlingly colorful species! 5,000 animals frolic in more than 80 tanks.
Our top tip: Embark on the Abyssia and discover the mysterious creatures of the deep sea.
Confectionery Conservatory
Immerse yourself in a world of sweetness and meet passionate and fascinating artisans. In this amazing workshop-museum, Nicolas Viollet and his team work with sugar, giving it ever more appetizing shapes and flavors. Amidst the clatter of machines, some over a century old, they perpetuate ancestral techniques and delight you with sweet treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia. A visit as delicious as it is colorful.
Our top tip: Don’t miss one of the hands-on tours, where you can make your own lollipop and take your creation home with you.
Amboise Art Glassworks
In his cave-like workshop near Amboise, Pierre Gallou shapes molten glass to create exceptional pieces. His movements highlight his mastery of this ancient art. His dexterity impresses the audience, who are seated just a few meters from the blazing furnace. Whether works of art, compositions, or tableware, no two pieces are alike.
Our tip: Choose a demonstration tour time to fully appreciate the glassblower’s technical skill at work.
Amboise Little Train
Hop aboard the Amboise express train and travel through the town’s streets at a leisurely pace. Castles, churches, and historical monuments dot the route to the banks of the Loire. On Île d’Or, take a moment to admire the exceptional panorama of the castle and watch the crystal-clear waters of the royal river flow peacefully by. Enjoy a guided tour that ensures you don’t miss any of Amboise’s extraordinary heritage.
Our tip: On Île d’Or, don’t forget to pay homage to Leonardo da Vinci, whose statue gazes lovingly at the Château d’Amboise.
Cycling routes around Amboise
The Loire à Vélo cycle route is definitely one of the must-do activities in Amboise! For a few hours or a whole day, hop on your bike and explore one of the cycling routes starting from Amboise. The diverse landscapes invite you to relax and enjoy the ride, from the banks of the Loire to the Amboise forest, from the vineyards to the picturesque villages of the Val d’Amboise. Renting a bike in Amboise couldn’t be easier, with several rental agencies right in the heart of the town.
Our top tip: For the more adventurous, follow loop number 47, which takes you from the Château d’Amboise to the Château de Chenonceau. 45km of pure pleasure, without any difficulty, and through landscapes listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10 activities = 1 single Pass!
With the Amboise City Pass, enjoy exceptional rates to visit the 10 must-see attractions of Amboise. Plus, get discounts at over 70 shops and restaurants in Amboise.
For 24, 48, or 72 hours, the Amboise City Pass offers up to 40% off admission prices!
