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Château Royal d'Amboise: A Royal Residence with a View

Explore a royal residence overlooking the Loire, discover the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, and immerse yourself in French Renaissance history.

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Perched high above the Loire River, the Château Royal d'Amboise is a former royal residence with a rich history. It was a favorite of French kings like Charles VIII and François I and is known as the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb resides in the château's chapel.

A brief summary to Château Royal d'Amboise

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the castle, gardens and chapel.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking and some uneven surfaces.
  • Visit the nearby Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last residence, to complement your visit.
  • Check the official website for current opening hours and any special events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Amboise train station, the Château Royal d'Amboise is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and head towards the town center. Follow the signs for the château, which will lead you through the charming streets of Amboise to the Montée de l'Emir Abd El Kader, the main access point to the castle. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses operate in Amboise, but the château is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most parts of the town. Check local bus schedules for specific routes and times. A single bus fare within Amboise is typically around €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Amboise, particularly near the train station. A taxi ride from the train station to the Château Royal d'Amboise would be a short trip, costing approximately €10-€15. Ride-sharing services like Uber are not widely available in Amboise.

  • Driving

    If driving, parking is available in the town of Amboise. The 'Parking des Quais', located on the banks of the Loire, is the closest, but it fills up quickly and is a paid parking. The 'Parking des Tanneurs' is a free option located a 5-minute walk from the castle. Be aware of signs indicating parking fees and time limits. Parking fees typically range from €1.50 to €2.50 per hour.

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Discover more about Château Royal d'Amboise

The Château Royal d'Amboise, a majestic former residence of French kings, dominates the skyline of Amboise, offering breathtaking views of the Loire Valley. Its strategic location on a rocky promontory has been fortified since ancient times, with evidence of a Gallic settlement predating the medieval castle. The castle gained prominence in the late 15th century when Charles VIII transformed the medieval fortress into a magnificent Gothic and early Renaissance palace. He tragically died at Amboise in 1498 after striking his head on a door lintel. François I, who spent much of his childhood at Amboise, later invited Leonardo da Vinci to France, housing him at the nearby Clos Lucé manor. Da Vinci lived his final years here until his death in 1519 and is buried in the château's chapel of Saint-Hubert. The château witnessed significant historical events, including the 1560 Amboise Conspiracy, a failed Huguenot plot. Today, visitors can explore the royal apartments, the chapel of Saint-Hubert, and the terraced gardens. The horsemen's tower, with its unique spiral ramp, is also a highlight. The Château Royal d'Amboise stands as a testament to French history, art, and architecture, offering a glimpse into the lives of French royalty and the genius of Leonardo da Vinci.

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