Château d'Amboise: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
Explore a royal Renaissance residence, the resting place of Da Vinci
- Château d'Amboise: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
- Access to Leonardo da Vinci's tomb
- Access to the castle's chapel
- HistoPad device to see 3D reconstructions of the past
Château d'Amboise Tickets and Information
- Château d'Amboise Address: Montée de l'Emir Abd el Kader, 37400, Amboise
- Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 - 19:00
Is Château d'Amboise Worth Visiting
- If you enjoy visiting historical buildings steeped in history, absolutely.
What Visitors See at Château d'Amboise
- The castle
- The chapel
- Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb
- The grounds
About Château d'Amboise
The incredible Royal Château d'Amboise in the Loire Valley. A stunning historical landmark with a rich history and magnificent architecture. It was a royal residence for French kings from the 15th to the 19th century, so played a significant role in French history. It was a favourite of several monarchs, including King Francis I.
The castle is also famous for its connection to Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life near it and is also buried in the chapel of Saint-Hubert on the castle grounds, as per the request in his final will.
The château is an example of Renaissance architecture with Gothic influences and you can admire its beautifully preserved towers, ramparts, and ornate facades.
The interior showcases opulent rooms with period furniture, tapestries, and intricate detailing that reflect the grandeur of its royal past.
It sits on a hillside that overlooks the Loire River, so Château d'Amboise offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A view fit for a king! The terrace and gardens provide an ideal spot for photography offering you the chance to soak in the beauty of the Loire Valley.
The château is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, including the landscaped terraces and the Mediterranean-inspired "Napoleon's Garden." The gardens provide a peaceful retreat and a chance to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst a variety of plant species and seasonal flowers.
Popular Tickets
Popular Attractions
Château d'Amboise FAQs
- Do you need to book tickets in advance to visit Château d'Amboise?
- We always suggest booking tickets in advance, yes. The castle is one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions, so can get very busy during the summer months, so booking in advance can save you a lot of time.
- Is Château d'Amboise wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, Château d'Amboise is wheelchair accessible.
- Did Leonardo da Vinci live at Château d'Amboise?
- No, Leonardo da Vinci lived at another Château close to Château d'Amboise, called Château du Clos Luce. However, it is believe he is buried at Château d'Amboise, though.
- Which chateau did Leonardo da Vinci live at?
- Leonardo da Vinci lived at Château du Clos Luce, which is only a short distance from Château d'Amboise. It is believed that he is buried at Château d'Amboise, though.
Royal Château d'Amboise Fun Facts
- Royal Residence: Château d'Amboise was a favoured royal residence during the Renaissance, especially under the reigns of King Charles VIII and King Francis I.
- Leonardo da Vinci: Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years at Clos Lucé, a manor near Château d'Amboise. Legend has it that he is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert within the château grounds, as per the request in his final will.
- Chapel of Saint-Hubert: The chapel is admired for its elaborate sculptures and intricate designs.
- Strategic Location: The château is perched on a strategic location overlooking the Loire River, offering stunning panoramic views and serving as a strong defensive position during its time.
- Mediaeval Origins: Before becoming a Renaissance palace, Château d'Amboise started as a mediaeval fortress. Some of the original defensive structures still exist today.
- Prison for Important Figures: The château has served as a prison for several important figures, including the Duke of Guise and the Emir Abd el-Kader, an Algerian resistance leader in the 19th century.
- Catherine de' Medici's Influence: Catherine de' Medici, the powerful queen and regent of France, often resided at Château d'Amboise and hosted many grand events there.
- Royal Births: Château d'Amboise was the birthplace of several members of the French royal family, including Charles VIII, who was born there in 1470.
- Royal Tombs: Apart from Leonardo da Vinci, the château's chapel also houses the remains of other members of the French royal family.
- Restoration Efforts: The château suffered damage during the French Revolution and the World Wars, but it has been meticulously restored to preserve its historical and architectural significance.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Château d'Amboise is part of the Loire Valley, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, recognised for its exceptional cultural landscape and historical importance.
Useful Information About Château d'Amboise
Tips for visiting Château d'Amboise
- Book Tickets In Advance: The Château is one of the Loire Valley’s most popular attractions, so it does get busy, especially during the summer months, for this reason, we suggest booking your tickets online as it can save you time at the ticket office allowing you to enjoy the castle for longer!
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Given you will be walking a lot, we suggest you wear comfortable shoes for your visit.
- Best Time To Visit: If you want to try and avoid the crowds, it can be quieter to visit as close to opening time as possible. You will unlikely have the castle to yourself, but it can be quieter at that time.
How to get there
- Château d'Amboise, Montée de l'Emir Abd el Kader, 37400, Amboise
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00
