4 outdoor activities to recharge your batteries in Amboise
4 outdoor activities to recharge your batteries in Amboise
Amboise boasts castles. Majestic and iconic monuments, symbols of royal influence during the Renaissance. To truly appreciate these stone giants, you can, of course, pass through their imposing gates; it’s highly recommended. Once your visit is complete, you can also take a less scenic route and enjoy these extraordinary landscapes from a different perspective. For those seeking to disconnect and breathe in the fresh air, we suggest four outdoor activities to help you recharge in Amboise.
Flying over the castles in a hot air balloon
Flying over the Loire Valley châteaux and their UNESCO World Heritage landscapes is an unforgettable, contemplative experience. At sunrise or sunset, the rising or setting sun makes the white stone of the châteaux gleam. It is usually on the banks of the Loire that the gondolas are landed and the balloons inflated with hot air. In just a few minutes, the hot air balloon rises languidly in a silence barely disturbed by the ignition of the burners.
Very quickly, the balloon soars above the Loire, revealing a whole palette of colors. The clear blue of the surface blends into the darkness of the deeper waters, while the yellow sand of the islands is dotted with greenery. It doesn’t take long to feel completely mesmerized by the moment. Letting yourself be carried by the wind allows you to take the time to contemplate the châteaux and their gardens in all their splendor.
Experiencing hot air ballooning in Amboise is above all about experiencing a moment of great serenity and total disconnection from your daily life.
Canoeing down the Loire
Paddling a canoe on the Loire River means navigating the last wild river in Europe. A river that, depending on the season, expands or contracts within its bed, revealing dozens of islands and islets here and there. The launch point is always upstream of your route, allowing you to follow the current with minimal effort. Starting from Chaumont-sur-Loire, for example, you begin your journey in the shadow of the famous château, renowned for its International Garden Festival.
Very quickly, the landscape becomes wild. The canoe glides peacefully between the islets, and you’re tempted to take frequent breaks on the sand. Our passing prompts a small egret to take flight, while the traces of a family of beavers’ work become apparent. On either side of the river stand small castles and grand manor houses, testaments to the past power of great lords. In the distance, the magnificent Royal Château of Amboise and its imposing ramparts already rise. Barely past the arches of the Debré Bridge, the outline of Île d’Or, where the landing took place, comes into view.
Canoeing on the Loire River is a chance to breathe in the fresh air amidst breathtaking scenery.
Cycling along the Loire
Put on your sunglasses, grab a refreshing water bottle, and hop on your bike. You’re about to embark on one of France’s most iconic cycling routes. The Loire à Vélo stretches for over 800km, following the contours of the river. From Amboise, the route winds its way towards Tours on a safe cycle path between the Loire and the vineyards, a microcosm of the Touraine region.
Turn off at the Allée de Dierre and head south. A long, straight stretch through the forest offers welcome shade on hot days. This route, number 47, known as the “Royal Way,” is the cycling jewel of our region. Half a dozen castles, from the most intimate to the most prestigious, are revealed along the way. The appearance of the Château de Chenonceau, spanning the Cher River, and the arrival at the foot of the Royal Château of Amboise will undoubtedly be among your most cherished memories.
Exploring the trails of Amboise Val de Loire by bike is a holiday program in itself!
Walking on the hiking trails
There’s nothing quite like hiking the trails of a region to truly soak up its atmosphere. In the Val d’Amboise, this atmosphere is multifaceted, reflecting the great variety of its landscapes. From the heart of Amboise, several routes wind their way through narrow streets and paths. They lead you to discover an incredibly rich heritage, from its Renaissance châteaux and half-timbered houses to its churches and museums. Hiking the trails of Amboise is like turning the pages of an open-air history book.
Just a stone’s throw from the center of Amboise, the neighboring villages and hamlets offer a completely different experience. The rushing waters of the Loire give way to the more tranquil courses of the Cisse and the Brenne rivers. The landscape unfolds in rolling hills, revealing vine-covered slopes, troglodytic houses and cellars, and small castles that beckon for regal stays.
Wandering the hiking trails around Amboise is to experience the pulse of this region and to meet its inhabitants and artisans.
Destination Amboise is a land of many facets. Beyond the must-see Loire Valley châteaux, it offers countless experiences. Above all, it promises the chance to venture off the beaten path and enjoy extraordinary landscapes in a different way. On foot, by bike, in the air, or along the waterways, it offers moments of pure escape for visitors seeking fresh air.
