Summer holidays in Amboise
Ask for the summer events program in Amboise Val de Loire!
It’s summer in Amboise! With its fine sandy beach, the crystal-clear waters of the Loire, and a summer atmosphere sweeping through the town’s narrow streets and squares, it feels just like the Riviera. Yet you are truly in Amboise, the cradle of the Renaissance. Concerts, shows, fun activities, tastings—the summer program celebrates creativity, conviviality, and sharing. Discover the program without delay…
In the castles
Château du Clos Lucé
Exhibition: Leonardo da Vinci, Master of Water
June 6 to September 13
This exhibition highlights the Florentine master’s projects in hydrology and civil engineering and includes two priceless original works.
Theatrical Evening Performances
July 16, 17, and 18 at 9:30 PM
The Coïncidences Vocales company presents *In the Footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci* (*Sur les pas de Léonard de Vinci*), a musical show for all ages blending theater, original songs, live music, and immersive set design. Reservations required.
Evening Strolls
August 7 and 8 starting at 8:30 PM
For one evening, relive the splendor of the Renaissance as you wander through the château and park, enhanced by lighting effects, then marvel at *TOTEMS*, a poetic performance by the Quidams company. Reservations required.
Royal Domain of Chateau Gaillard
Program to be announced
Royal Chateau of Amboise
Exhibition: On the Trail of Traveling Princes
June 9 to September 20
An exhibition highlighting the diversity of royal travel during the Renaissance, ranging from courtly journeys to long-distance expeditions.
Panoramic Picnics
July 14 & 31 / August 7 & 14
Bring your own picnic and settle onto the château lawns while enjoying a live concert (reservations required).
“So Royal” Days
July 25 and 26
Entertainment and activities that will transport you back in time!
Stargazing Picnics
July 17 and August 21
Gaze at the night sky while enjoying your picnic—a perfectly relaxing experience! (reservation required)
Opera: The Story of Madame Butterfly
August 2 at 8:30 PM
The L’Opéra Clandestin company presents an adaptation of Puccini’s masterpiece (reservation required)
Eclipse Viewing Evening
August 12 starting at 7:15 PM
What better place than the château park to observe this rare and impressive phenomenon! (reservation required)
Pagoda of Chanteloup
Theatrical tour of the Pagoda of Chanteloup
July 15 at 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:00 PM (reservation required)
The Duke of Choiseul will recount the story of his glory and exile at this historic estate. Period costumes, wigs, and the language of yesteryear—get ready to travel back in time!
Tourist Office Tours
“Mathurine’s Secrets” Tour at Château du Clos Lucé
July 6–31 and August 24–29: Monday through Saturday at 11:00 AM and 2:15 PM
August 1–22: Monday through Saturday at 11:00 AM, 2:15 PM, and 3:30 PM
→ €6 for ages 7 and up (reservation required)
Meeting point: Château du Clos Lucé
Explore the grounds of Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise with Mathurine, Leonardo da Vinci’s cook. A fun, interactive tour that introduces you to the creative genius of this great Renaissance master.
“Tales and Legends of Touraine” Night Tour of Amboise
July 17, 23, and 30; August 6, 13, and 20 at 9:00 PM
→ €12/adult – €8/child (ages 7–18)
Meeting point: Tourist Office (reservation required)
Meet Louise, a peddler carrying on a family tradition, who will spend the evening sharing stories gathered during her travels across Touraine. Whether historical fact or pure legend, these tales offer a glimpse into local folklore and customs.
“2,000 Years of History” Tour of Amboise
July 16, 22, and 30; August 5, 12, and 19 at 5:00 PM
→ €6 for ages 7 and up (reservation required)
Meeting point: Tourist Office
Follow your guide to discover the history of Amboise, the capital of the French Renaissance. From the banks of the Loire—a UNESCO World Heritage site—to the châteaux that hosted so many kings, queens, and illustrious figures, this tour is packed with anecdotes and magnificent views.
“Tasting by the Loire” Tour
July 24 & 31; August 7, 14 & 21 at 5:30 PM
→ €15/adult
Meeting point: Tourist Office (reservation required)
Wander through the narrow streets of Amboise’s historic center for a quick overview of its must-see monuments and key historical figures. Then, head to the banks of the Loire to enjoy a tasting of local products and wines from the Touraine-Amboise appellation.
Concerts and Shows
Les Courants Festival
Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5 on Île d’Or
Comic book author signings and meet-and-greets; concerts; drawing workshops; games and activities – check out the program
Open-air cinema on Île d’Or
Thursday, July 9 at 10:00 PM: “En fanfare”
Free
Thursday, August 27 at 9:30 PM: “Flow” (animated film)
Free
Street performance: “Le fleuve ambulant” (The Wandering River)
Friday, July 17 at 7:00 PM, on Île d’Or
The story of a family cycling down the Loire River. They’ve had this project in mind for a long time; the parents feel it’s the perfect moment to make it happen—and that it will do them good. (Free)
“Uprisers” concert
Thursday, July 23 at 8:00 PM, at the ASHAJ open-air theater
Uprisers is a hybrid musical project blending urban jazz, vocals, and rap to create a highly orchestrated, decidedly contemporary sound. (Free)
Summer performances at La Grille Dorée
Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at 9:30 PM: Comedy show with Chraz and Albert Meslay
Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 at 9:30 PM: Boogie/Dixieland evening with the Didier Marty New Orleans Combo
Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 at 9:30 PM: Blues and French chanson evening with E. Antraygues and C. Papin
Friday, August 14: Theater performance – “L’histoire de Juliette et de son Roméo” (The Story of Juliet and Her Romeo) In a play inspired by Shakespeare’s work, Juliet’s nurse tells the story
Reservation required
“PSG Forever” Stand-up Show
Thursday, July 30 at 8:00 PM at the Georges Boulogne Stadium
The story of a lifelong PSG fan who knows everything about the players and locker-room anecdotes. As he revisits his past, his own story and family history unfold… (Free)
“Bar à mômes” Children’s Show
Wednesday, August 5 at 5:00 PM, in front of Ethic Etapes
The “Bar à mômes” (Kids’ Bar) is the only bar where you drink “dry water.” (Free)
“Rococo” Street Art & Circus Show
Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30 PM, in front of Ethic Etapes
This duo invites us into a unique, multifaceted world. Masks, circus arts, object manipulation, and other theatrical techniques bring to life various situations where the characters never cease to surprise us. (Free)
“Un monsieur attendait…” (A Gentleman Was Waiting…) Theater Performance
Thursday, August 13 at 9:30 PM, Place du Marché
Théâtre de l’Ante presents its new show, “Un monsieur attendait”—a title echoing an almost forgotten old song, as well as a manifesto of the absurd. (Reservation required)
“Quinte et Sens” Classical Music Festival
August 27–30
The Quinte et Sens association presents the 8th “De Bach à Bacchus” (From Bach to Bacchus) festival, taking place in Amboise, Cangey, Nazelles-Négron, and Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes.
Discover the full program
Other guided tours
Night-time visit to the Collegiate Church of Saint-Denis
July 7, 21, and 28, and August 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026; open continuously from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
This year, the Saint-Martin Val d’Amboise parish is once again participating in the Amboise night markets. The Church of Saint-Denis will open its doors from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on night market evenings.
Night-time visit to Limeray
Friday, July 18 at 9:00 PM
In addition to the Church of Saint-Saturnin, discover the *Vieux Palais* (Old Palace), opening its doors for this special occasion! This former hearing chamber served as the courthouse for the royal provost at the end of the Middle Ages. (Reservation required)
“Amboise in the Middle Ages” discovery tour
Tuesday, July 28 at 6:00 PM
This walk takes you from the fortified town at the foot of the château to the Church of Saint-Denis to discover its incredible carved capitals. (Reservation required)
Heritage and craftsmanship at the Lestra factory in Nazelles-Négron
Wednesday, August 12 at 10:30 AM
The Loire Touraine “Land of Art and History” celebrates local craftsmanship! After exploring the history of a town or neighborhood, meet passionate artisans in their businesses or workshops. (Reservation required)
“Journeys to Amboise” discovery tour
Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00 PM
River trade and the heyday of Loire river transport, the forgotten history of the coaching inns, and the arrival of the railway via the Paris-Orléans-Tours line: discover the rich history of the Bout-des-Ponts district in Amboise. (by reservation)
Night-time tour of Neuillé-le-Lierre
Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 PM
Stroll past the brick-decorated workers’ cottages that once housed the employees of the tile and brick factory that stood in the village center. (by reservation)
Activities for children
“Heritage Challenges” Family Trail in Souvigny-de-Touraine
Sunday, July 5 at 10:30 AM
Come and discover Souvigny’s heritage as a family by taking part in challenges and workshops: a photo rally, a “Timeline” game, blind drawing, recreating a building using Kapla® blocks, and more.
Treasure Hunt in Cangey
Monday, July 6 at 10:30 AM
Keep your eyes peeled for clues that will help you unlock the treasure chest… A self-guided game for children accompanied by an adult. (Reservation required)
Wildlife Trackers
Thursday, July 16 at 10:00 AM
Let’s explore the forest and scan the riverbanks in search of tracks and signs left by wildlife. If we find footprints, we’ll make casts of them. (Reservation required)
Youth Activity: “Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes by the Water”
Monday, July 20 at 10:30 AM
After a walk along the water, build a small mill to take home! (Reservation required)
Big Family Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, August 30 starting at 9:00 AM
A cultural family scavenger hunt organized by the Friends of the Limeray Library. On the agenda: riddles, challenges, and heritage. (Reservation required)
Markets and tastings
Amboise Night Market
Tuesdays from July 7 to August 25, 5 PM – 11 PM, Place Saint-Denis (except July 14)
Enjoy sweet and savory treats, fine food, and artisan crafts in a friendly atmosphere filled with music.
Île d’Or Small Market
Wednesdays from July 8 to August 26, 6 PM – 10 PM, in front of the campsite reception
Featuring 6 to 10 stalls, this market showcases local products: jewelry, textiles, woodwork, seasonal fruit and vegetables, bread, and many other specialties.
Amboise Weekly Market
Fridays and Sundays, 8 AM – 1 PM, along the banks of the Loire
The largest (and most beautiful) market in the Loire Valley! Dozens of producers, artisans, and vendors welcome you to a shaded setting. Experience the true art of living from the Touraine region!
Heritage to Savor
Friday, July 10 at 6 PM: Château de Bellecour (Pocé-sur-Cisse)
Friday, July 24 at 6 PM: Château de Noizay
Friday, August 14 at 6 PM: Château de la Huberdière (Nazelles-Négron)
Follow our guide on an exclusive tour of a private estate opened specially for the occasion, then enjoy delicious local products in a unique setting! (Reservation required)
Other activities
Val d’Amboise Art Exhibition
July 11–14, 10 am – 7 pm
July 31 – August 2, 10 am – 7 pm
The *Artistes en Val d’Amboise* association is organizing three exhibitions at Saint-Florentin Church and one at the Victor Hugo Gallery.
The Sports Caravan
July 21 & 22, 10 am – 6 pm at the Nazelles-Négron Community Center (CSC)
Try out 21 different sports featured by the Caravan. On July 21, enjoy a full day of Baroque music with the *Consonance* ensemble, followed at 7 pm by the play “Et merde, c’est lundi !” (Damn, It’s Monday!).
Kino’côt: Take part in making short films
July 29 – August 1 at the Charles Péguy Center
Come and take part in the 2nd Kino’côt event. Kino’côt gives everyone the chance to embark on a creative cinematic journey—non-competitive, and focused on sharing, meeting new people, and creativity. (Reservation required)
Tour de l’Avenir Stage Finish in Amboise
Friday, August 21 (afternoon)
Covering a 926 km route across France—from Normandy to the Alps via the Loire Valley—riders will compete in the 62nd edition of the Tour de l’Avenir (the “Tour de France for young riders”) from August 20 to 26, with a stage finish in Amboise on Friday, August 21.
“Lune Rousse” (Harvest Moon) Festival in Lussault-sur-Loire
Friday, August 28, starting at 6 pm
Program:
Rock songs, live music, an exhibition, and a children’s performance. A special family evening—bring a picnic basket to share a meal. Refreshments available on-site.
And what about July 14th?
Don’t panic! The Tourist Office has prepared a special page dedicated to the July 14th festivities in Val d’Amboise!
Amboise City Pass
Take advantage of an exclusive offer on your next visit to Amboise!
Save up to 40% on sightseeing by booking the Amboise City Pass.
Enjoy access to up to 10 must-see châteaux and activities, plus discounts at over 70 shops and restaurants, with a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass.
Visit the Loire Valley châteaux at a reduced rate
Amboise’s central location in the heart of the Loire Valley makes it the perfect base for exploring the region’s greatest 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 the history of the Renaissance.
Take advantage of exceptional rates by booking your “Château Passes” at the Val d’Amboise Tourist Office and enjoy significant savings—up to €7 off per person, per pass!
