The former royal court and the place where Leonardo da Vinci ended his circle of life…
Situated on the Loire River, in central France, the town of Amboise may not have a magnificent surface, but its history is no doubt rich. The Royal Château of Amboise is a significant tourist, but also a political place. It was the favorite royal residence of several French kings, from Louis IX to Francois I, who invested large sums of money in its renovation.
Amboise
The most famous royal guest was Leonardo da Vinci, who moved from the Vatican in 1515 here and worked in the nearby Château du Clos Lucé (or simply Clos Lucé). His most famous work, Mona Lisa, was brought to the artist’s rooms together with other luggage. These two castles are connected by a series of underground tunnels, justifying the mysticism of medieval palaces. Access to the Chapel of Saint-Hubert at the Royal Château of Amboise where the great Leonardo Da Vinci now rests is still possible.
Amboise
Not far from the castle itself is the center of Amboise. Sprinkled with narrow streets, this part of the city is full of colorful flowers. In nearby French bistros, you can make a break from your visit and enjoy a coffee with unavoidable French pastries.
Only 18 kilometers from the city center is the Château de Chenonceau, which carries the title of the most beautiful building on the Loire River. The entire building rests on massive pillars, creating an illusion that this stone gulp is floating above water.
Amboise
His history was marked by the French queens, and therefore it is named “Lady’s Castle”. Alongside the Parisian Versailles, de Chenonceau is France’s most visited castle.
The gardens and maze of fairy tales adorn the Château de Villandry, the legacy of the Carvallo family. The endless Renaissance green surface will capture your attention until you explore every inch of it. And, who knows – maybe you just meet your prince on a white horse here.
