Amboise - beating heart of the Loire Valley

By following the Loire River from Blois downstream or from Tours upstream, you will arrive in the picturesque city of Amboise. Its Renaissance fortified castle, overlooks the city and its tiny streets. You will enjoy wandering around this charming place, along the dikes of the Loire River or in the lively shopping street.

 

Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise

The Amboise castle was partially destroyed, however, the elegance touch of the Italian architecture still prevails. Adjacent to the chateau, stands the ravishing Chapelle St-Hubert built in a Gothic style. The remains of Leonardo da Vinci are buried there.

Leonardo Da Vinci arrived in the Loire Valley in 1516 with the Mona Lisa - which is now exposed at the Louvre Museum in Paris - and was offered by King Francis Ist the manor of Cloux, which is called today le Clos Lucé.

 

Leonardo Da Vinci tomb in Amboise

Saint Hubert Chapel in Amboise castle  - ©Fondation Saint Louis

 

Amboise is central to visit the most famous castles of the Loire

Amboise is one of the most visited cities in the Loire Valley: close enough from Paris, many travelers indulge themselves a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley. This is a real pity: there is so much to see, feel and experience in the Loire, that coming for a day only will bring one thing: frustration.

We recommend our travelers to spend at least 3 to 4 days to have an overview of the Castles Country. The Loire Valley lovers can easily stay for 2 weeks - even coming back several times - without getting bored.

 

Honeymoon in Amboise Loire Valley

©ADT Touraine - David Darrault

 

Where to stay in Amboise?

Amboise hotels are often overpriced and may not match our travelers’ expectations: this is why we have selected beautiful places - just few miles away or sometimes even in a walking distance from Amboise old city, for our travelers to be comfortably accommodated to enjoy their stay in the castles’ country.

We always do our best to handpick great accommodations: B&Bs, hotels, boutique-hotels, perfectly located to tour around the sightseeing area, remaining away from the tourist crowds.

For those who want to experience staying in a chateau or an historic mansion, we will be happy to plan accordingly. 

Renaissance chateau in the Loire valley

Nice Boutique-Hotel in a castle near Amboise

 

What to do in Amboise ?

In Amboise, enjoy a wine tasting or stroll along the Loire River on market day. We will also tell you where to have a drink to get the best view over the town and its castle at sunset!

If you are lucky, you might see the traditional fishermen from the Loire who are still supplying some local restaurants with delicious eel type fishes. 

 

 

Some of our best sample itineraries including Amboise

Duration
16 days
Price
US$ 6180
pp
Region
in Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Dordogne & Provence

France Just For You has organized its own very special Tour de France. No need for a bike but be ready for a great deal of adventure! This itinerary will take you off the beaten path to all the must sees & dos in four of the most enthralling regions of France.

Wine Tasting
Towns & Villages
Gourmet Food
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 4980
pp
Region
in Burgundy & Loire Valley

Explore and fully experience two "very French" regions, both famous for their gastronomy, wines, beautiful landscapes and very rich heritage.

Wine Tasting
Towns & Villages
French Countryside
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 5380
pp
Region
in Loire Valley & Bordeaux

Uncover every hideaway and detail of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux UNESCO heritage sites. Taste typical regional fo od at your hosts’ table and stay at Bed & Breakfasts with comfortable rooms and unique atmospheres .

Heritage & History
Towns & Villages
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 5930
pp
Region
in Normandy & Loire Valley

Normandy & the Loire Valley are 2 regions of France you should not miss: the climate is mild, the people are very welcoming and history is around every corner.

Wine Tasting
WWI & WWII Battlefields
French Countryside

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Cynthia
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne and Provence. All the accommodations were in historic B&Bs. Our hosts were invariably gracious and helpful. At every stop Emilie included a home cooked …
Judy
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little …
Lisa & Don from the US
The Perfect Trip Through France With France Just For You Emilie interviewed us and designed a perfect trip from Paris through the Loire Valley and Normandy, back to Paris, to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday. Every detail was perfect and it was easy to get around. The places she selected for us to stay were simply lovely with wonderful hosts …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Tonya & Robert
From the US
In Versailles - Hall of Mirrors
Mita & Bip from the US
In Biarritz, Basque Country
Christina
from the US
in a lavender field in Provence
Rose & Bryan
from the US
in Chenonceau castle, Loire Valley
Sharon & Gary
from Canada
In Chambord castle - Loire Valley
Karen & Mike
from the US
Visiting Chambord in the Loire Valley
Carolyn & Harry
From Australia
Cycling in the Loire Valley
Sharyn
from the US
Taking a cooking class in Normandy
Harry
From Australia
In the War Cemetery in Normandy
Jim
From Australia
With his guide in Provence
The Khaw Family
From Malaysia
With their guide Raphaelle in Paris with Notre Dame Cathedral in the background.
Jim & Sarah
from the US
in love in Amboise!

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