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Castle · Amboise, Centro-Vale do Loire
Château royal d'Amboise
Residence of the kings of France during the Renaissance, on a rocky promontory above the Loire, with the Saint-Hubert chapel where Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb is located.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château royal d'Amboise
The Château royal d'Amboise sits on a rocky outcrop above the Loire in the centre of the town. It belonged to the Amboise family for more than four centuries and passed to the crown in 1434. In the Renaissance it was the residence of Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I, who spent part of his youth there.
Much of the complex was destroyed after the French Revolution. What remains includes the logis royal, furnished with Gothic and Renaissance pieces, the knight towers, wide ramps used by horsemen and carriages, and the terraces with views over the river and the town’s rooftops.
In the Saint-Hubert chapel, a gem of late Gothic architecture, are the remains attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his final years in Amboise at the invitation of Francis I. The visit can be done with a leaflet or with a tablet that reconstructs the period interiors.
The castle has been a historic monument since 1840 and is 500 metres from the Clos Lucé.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours, including the gardens and terraces.
Best time
Visit at opening, in the morning, to avoid groups. From April to October the gardens are greener. July and August are busier.
How to get there
On foot, in the centre of Amboise. The entrance is via the montée de l'Émir Abd el-Kader ramp from the place Michel Debré. From Gare d'Amboise it’s about a 20-minute walk, crossing the Loire.
Tip
There is paid luggage storage on the access ramp, useful for travellers arriving by train with suitcases. From the bridge over the Loire you get the classic view of the castle.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château royal d'Amboise
Is Leonardo da Vinci really buried in Amboise?
The remains attributed to Leonardo are in the Saint-Hubert chapel inside the castle. He died in 1519 at the Clos Lucé, nearby.
How much time should you set aside for the castle?
About 1.5 to 2 hours, including the chapel, the logis royal and the terraces.
Can you combine it with the Clos Lucé on the same day?
Yes. The two are 500 meters apart, and the walk only takes a few minutes.