Castle life
Castle life … A dream within reach
On the lands of King Francis I, you don’t need royal blood to take up residence in the finest palaces. For a night, a dinner, a tasting or a simple tour, in Val d’Amboise, there a thousand and one ways to live the castle life!
Push open the doors of the Amboise Château Royal. From the throne room to the king’s bedchamber, feel the magnificence of the court. Meanwhile, the Saint-Hubert Chapel, a Gothic wonder currently under renovation, houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. It was protected by the brick walls of the Château du Clos Lucé that the Italian master came to offer his science to the biggest names in the kingdom. His final residence still resonates with his Italian touch, from his bedroom to his drawing studio. In its scientific park, follow in the footsteps of the great man and discover his most iconic creations: the flying machine, the tank … Not forgetting the incredible immersive spectacle bringing his most famous works to life! And to continue soaking up castle life, take your place at Sieur Sausin’s table in his Auberge du Prieuré.
Visiting
the castles
Sleeping
in the Château
Eating at
the Château
Celebrating
in the Château
Visiting the castles
Sleeping
in the Château
Eating
at the Château
Celebrating in the Château
At the Château Gaillard Royal Estate, you’ll discover a much more intimate life. Sheltered by its impressive hillside and hundred-year-old park, the most Italian of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley invites you to a gentle discovery, rocked by the flow of the Amasse river and the melodic birdsong. In the newly restored bedroom of Mary Stuart, the private lives of the monarchs reveal themselves to you.
At the Pagode de Chanteloup, you’ll set off in the footsteps of the lost castle. From the top of the impressive Pagode, an exceptional panoramic view of the Loire Valley, the city of Amboise and its magnificent forest stretches out before you. It’s a great way to get a feel for the many little gems dotted all over the destination.
Leave the royal city and cross the lands of Val d’Amboise. Dukes, chamberlains and great lords: everyone wanted to get as close as possible to the king. Sparing no expense, they had many sumptuous residences built which now open their doors to you. Upon the heights of Chargé, the Château de Pray is an essential gourmet stopover, awarded a Macaron in the famous Michelin guide. On the right bank of the Loire, these residences follow one after the other between vines and forests. The Château de Montdomaine welcomes lovers of Touraine wines, while the park of the Château de Pocé-sur-Cisse offers peaceful walks in the Amboise countryside.
On the hillsides of the Loire, the castles of Les Arpentis, Les Thomeaux, Perreux, Nazelles or Noizay are all charming spots for travellers in search of an exceptional stay. Behind the solid walls of these historic homes, modern comforts perfectly combine with the charm of these ancient buildings.
Staying at a château is a moment out of time. Like enjoying a Nordic bath outside, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside! Were you promised the chateau life? We weren’t lying!
