Château Gaillard: A Royal Renaissance Rediscovery
Discover Château Gaillard in Amboise: Where French Royalty embraced the Italian Renaissance, birthing France's first Renaissance gardens and orangerie.
Château Gaillard in Amboise is a royal estate showcasing the dawn of the French Renaissance. Commissioned by King Charles VIII in the late 15th century, it features Italy-inspired gardens and architecture. After extensive restoration, visitors can explore its historic rooms and admire the early French Renaissance gardens, including the first French orangerie, offering a unique glimpse into royal life and artistic innovation of the era.
A brief summary to Château Gaillard
- 29 All. du Pont Moulin, Amboise, 37400, FR
- +33247303329
- Visit website
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to skip the ticket line, especially during peak season.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the gardens and the grounds fully.
- Check the schedule for guided tours, which are included in the admission price and offer deeper insights.
- Visit the on-site shop for unique souvenirs and local products.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the chateau and gardens.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Amboise, Château Gaillard is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head southeast, following signs for the chateau. The route is mostly flat and offers pleasant views of the town. Note that the entrance is pedestrian-only.
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Public Transport
From the Amboise train station (Gare d'Amboise), take the Line 1 bus towards the city center. Get off at the Place Max Ernst, near the Château d'Amboise, and walk for about 20 minutes. The bus costs €0.80.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Amboise. A taxi from the city center to Château Gaillard takes about 7 minutes and typically costs between €10 and €15. Several taxi services operate in Amboise, including Taxi Bordier and Amboise Taxi.
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Driving
If driving, approach Amboise via the A10 highway. Follow signs to Château Gaillard. Note that parking near the chateau is limited. From May 1st to August 31st, free parking is available at 99 Avenue Léonard de Vinci. From the parking area, there is a short walk to the chateau entrance.
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