Amboise is the capital of the French Renaissance. History is written there with a capital H. It is present everywhere. The white stone, emblematic of the Loire Valley, reveals all its beauty. The delicately carved facades of the half-timbered houses await you around the corner. Don't forget to take a gourmet break to enjoy the many tempting local specialities.
The royal river can be discovered on foot, by bike, or on board an authentic Loire toue, listening to the legends told by a venerable and friendly sailor.
The castle, imagined by an architectural genius, dominates the city and the majestic Loire Valley. For nearly two centuries, the history of the royal castle of Amboise has been intimately linked with the great History of France. A grandiose palace of Kings Charles VIII and François I during the Renaissance, the burial place of the iconic Leonardo da Vinci whose 5th centenary (1519-2019) is celebrated in 2019, it is the expression of luxury and the French art of living. It is also a unique and monumental balcony, open at 360° on landscapes listed as World Heritage of Humanity.
On the outskirts of the city, discover the Clos Lucé, the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci, where he lived until his death in 1519. Le Clos Lucé contains a museum exhibiting models of his creations. He worked there on many projects for the King of France, surrounded by his pupils.
The Parc des Mini-Châteaux offers more than 44 miniature reproductions of the high places of the region and in particular the prestigious castles of the Loire Valley.
The Grand Aquarium of Touraine takes you on a surprising journey through its themed rooms with original decorations, where you can admire different kinds of fish living in freshwater and in the oceans.
Just a stone's throw from Amboise, board the Safari Train of the Autrèche Animal Park for an astonishing crossing of the estate, to meet the big farmed game.
