History of Amboise
Capital of the French Renaissance
Some towns are travel destinations in their own right, and Amboise is certainly one of them. As soon as you arrive, you’re drawn in by the weight of history and the beauty of its white stone, so emblematic of the Châteaux of the Loire. As a royal city, Amboise was the laboratory of the French Renaissance. As you turn a corner, you can marvel at a sublime château designed by an architectural genius, before admiring the delicately carved facade of a half-timbered house.
A treat for the taste buds!
Along the way, you’re suddenly distracted by delicious smells. It’s midday, and from the windows of the old town come the sweet-savory aromas of local specialties. The dilemma is as great as the choice of restaurants: gastronomic, bistro, wine bar, brasserie, on the go…? Unless, of course, you opt for an out-of-the-box lunch, filled with local produce in the aisles of the Loire Valley’s finest market!
A panorama that only
Amboise can offer
Back on the banks of the Loire, why not discover the beauty of the royal river. Will you do it on foot or by bicycle, following the Loire à Vélo itinerary? Or maybe you’d like to climb aboard an authentic Loire toue, and listen to the legends of a venerable sailor? No, today you’ll be canoeing! Adventure is adventure! You’ll have had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the fruits of the local soil, and to marvel at a panorama that only Amboise can offer. With your head filled with these wonderful memories, you’ll fall asleep in your little nest, already dreaming of coming back!
Discover the history of Amboise
As you stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, you’ll be struck by the weight of history. They’ll imagine themselves as Roman soldiers, storming the Gallic city of Ambacia, capital of the Turons. Its remains still dot the heights of the town today. Then he became a Frankish warrior, accompanying Clovis to meet his worst enemy on the Île d’Or. Then a monk, working to build the superb church of Saint Denis, a jewel of Romanesque art. Above all, he’ll take on the eyes of a little child, marvelling at the ingenuity of Italian artists. These geniuses made Amboise the great capital of the French Renaissance!
The King at Amboise
No doubt it will bend as King François 1er passes by. He’ll catch a glimpse of him leaving his residence at the Château Royal to visit Leonardo da Vinci at the Château du Clos Lucé. Discreetly, he’ll sneak up to hear the brilliant artist tell the king about the secrets of his mysterious Mona Lisa. Perhaps he’ll attend the sumptuous feasts given in the sovereign’s honor in one of Amboise’s many palazzi. Then he’ll share the sorrow of the Court gathered at the Château for the Italian maestro’s funeral, and pay his respects at his tomb.
Unesco World Heritage landscapes
Back in the 21st century, he’ll marvel at the thousand and one faces of the Loire, whose landscapes are listed by UNESCO. Above all, they’ll discover a city of golden stone, teeming with life and sparkling with activity, whose shady alleyways are an invitation to explore! From Rue Nationale to Place du Château and Rue Victor Hugo, the town has retained its romantic atmosphere. Timber-framed houses, troglodytic dwellings and private mansions blend together in gentle harmony.
Discover Val d'Amboise
A spectacle of a destination
A heritage of genius and character
Hidden treasures and world wonders
Castle life
