The ultimate city guide to Amboise, France

An enchanting land, which among the many wonders contains a magical place like Amboise, in turn, the keeper of a spectacular monument included among the Unesco World Heritage sites. The land in question is France, precisely the region of the Center, and the locality of Amboise is nestled in the Indre-et-Loire department, with a total of about 11,500 inhabitants and a boundless collection of wonders waiting to be discovered.

Loved by illustrious personalities such as Charles VIII, who died there in 1498, and Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last days there until 1519, the city is famous above all for the castle of the same name, founded in the fifteenth century but completed only in the third decade. from the 16th century, during the reign of Francis I.

Unesco recognition would hardly have been needed to understand the historical and architectural value of this splendid manor, which together with its gardens offers one of the most fascinating views of the Loire Valley. After the construction of the first fortifications, other significant constructions were added by Charles VIII, born and raised in the town. Outside the main building, you can admire the chapel of Saint-Hubert, in flamboyant Gothic style and decorated with some paintings representing hunting scenes Saint Hubert is the protector of hunters.

Also interesting is the so-called “Charles VIII” wing, with the residences of the King and Queen, and the part of Louis XII, in Renaissance style, with the apartments of the nineteenth century. But the most spectacular area is certainly that of the terraces overlooking the course of the Loire, occupied by large flower gardens, where you can see the bust of Leonardo and the Islamic mausoleum dedicated to the followers of Abd el-Kader, who perished in Amboise in the period in which the latter was a prisoner there.

The visit to the castle is made possible by various thematic itineraries, which offer an exciting insight into different aspects of French history, from the political and artistic role played within Renaissance Europe to the moments of daily life spent in the private rooms of the palace, up to to the most intriguing background of life at the Court. But the castle is not the only attraction of Amboise: two splendid churches are also worth a visit, namely the fifteenth-century Eglise St-Florentin and the 12th-century Eglise St-Denis, restored between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. To see the Clock Tower, the 16th-century Hotel de Ville and the Fontaine of Amboise, refined sculptural work with bronze decorations.

In addition, the town has a second castle, perhaps less famous but just as interesting as the first: it is that of Clos-Lucé, a fairy-tale manor made of white stone and bricks that take on an enchanting pink hue. Founded in the 11th century on the remains of a pre-existing Gallo-Roman construction, the building hosted the famous Leonardo da Vinci for a certain period, who organized memorable parties and shows during his stay.

Even today, although Leonardo can no longer deal with local social events, Amboise offers visitors many opportunities for fun, entertainment and relaxation, during which it will be possible to learn more about the history of the city or savor the traditions of the region. Tourists of Italian origin will particularly appreciate the Italian Festival, which takes place at the end of May and lasts a few days. The event aims to celebrate the arts, crafts and typical products of the boot, offering gastronomic delights and handicrafts from our land.

To reach Amboise you can choose between several possibilities. Those traveling by car and coming from Paris will have to take the A10 motorway towards Orléans / Tours, take exit 18 for Amboise / Chateau-Renault, continue towards Amboise / D31 and Bléré / Loches. Those coming from Tours, on the other hand, simply have to take the D751 towards Montlouis / Amboise. If you prefer the train, you can get off at Amboise train station, located on the Tours-Blois-Orléans line, while the nearest airport is Tours, about 25 km away.

A rather pleasant climate, with mild temperatures and low rainfall in the hot season, more frequent in the winter months. The average values ​​of January, the coldest month, range from a minimum of 2 ° C to a maximum of 7 ° C, while in July and August, the hottest months, it goes from 13 ° C to 25 ° C. Precipitation reaches its maximum peak in January when it rains on average for 12 days on the total.