What to see in Amboise in 1 day: Royal Castle and Leonardo da Vinci

In your car route through the castles of the Loire Valley, you will visit very different places, from large castles in idyllic locations, such as those of Chenonceau o Chambord, to large cities with a long and interesting history, such as Orleans o Tours.

But also small towns o pretty towns which, due to their heritage and location, become essential stages and central axes of your route.

This is the case of Amboise, a pretty town (or small city) of medieval origin, on the banks of the Loire river and just 20 kilometers from Tours, which stands out for its Royal Castle where the tomb of a character as important in history as he is Leonardo da Vinci.

When you arrive to Amboise, you find a small town, very charming, with a main street that starts from the banks of the Loire river and extends to the foot of the rocky promontory where the Royal Castle.

What to see and do when visiting Amboise

In your walk through Amboise, if you visit it during the holiday season, at first you will see a quite lively city, which you already know is not very common in many French cities, which confirms that it is a key tourist place in the route through the castles of the Loire.

Amboise shows you beautiful corners, such as panoramic of the river bank Loire river on which rises the Royal Castle, some set of half-timbered houses, or the corner of the Clock Tower.

History of the Royal Castle of Amboise

Facing your visit of the Royal Castle of Amboise, we tell you that originally it was a medieval fortress which began to be used by kings of france as a place of temporary residence during his many trips around the country.

As a curiosity, for these movements the kings were accompanied by a court of up to 10.000 people, who even moved the furniture of the castles from one to another.

The most powerful historical era of Royal Castle of Amboise It was during the 15th and 16th centuries, in the Renacimiento, with the notable presence of Kings Charles III and Francis I of France, and also by becoming burial place of Leonardo da Vinci.

How to visit the Royal Castle of Amboise

When you visit it, you will see that currently in the Amboise castle only a fifth of its construction remains, since in the 19th century, after the French Revolution and the time of Napoleon, much of it was destroyed.

You can see it in detail in a clarifying drawing that is shown during the visit, with the original layout of the castle and its current situation, with only a couple of buildings that remain.

Of course, from the outset what will catch your attention the most are the spectacular Panoramic views that you have since fortress viewpoints, and from its gardens, both from the city of Amboise, as of Loire river and its surroundings.

But a key corner of the visit is the Royal chapel that the original castle is preserved, in which you can see the grave of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last stage of his life in Amboise, until he died in 1519.

Why Leonardo da Vinci lived and died in Amboise

In 1516 was when the king francis i He invited Leonardo da Vinci to travel to France, and became his patron by naming him the painter, engineer and architect to the king.

And so that he could reside in France, he gave him the Chateau de Clos-Lucé, place where the king lived during his childhood.

After his death three years later, Leonardo da Vinci He was buried in the church inside the grounds of the Amboise castle, which was destroyed in the 19th century.

Some time later, during excavations, the remains of the grave of Leonardo da Vinci, whose body was finally buried in the aforementioned chapel that is preserved in the castle, which rises above the wall with views of the city center.

On the other hand, in the main building that is preserved from the original construction of the castle, during the visit you will visit two clearly differentiated spaces.

Specifically, a first floor of flamboyant gothic style and medieval atmosphere, and the second floor with 19th century decoration.

And a curiosity, if you sign up for the special castle visit, you will be able to see the interior structure of the spectacular tower which rises from the base of the rocky promontory, to the upper terrace of the wall, with an incredible interior height.

Amboise Castle schedules and ticket prices

The Amboise Castle visiting hours, in the Loire Valley, vary depending on the time of year, being, for example, from March to May, from 9 a.m. to 17,30:9 p.m., and in July and August, from 19 a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

Here you can consult the Amboise Castle opening hours.

The ticket prices, which include the availability of a tablet in spanish, they are 13,50 euros, the general one; 11,60 euros, for students; 9,20 euros, children from 7 to 18 years old; and free pass for children under 7 years old.

How to visit the Clos-Lucé castle in Amboise

On your trip to Amboise, you also have the possibility of visit the aforementioned Chateau de Clos-Lucé where, as we mentioned, he resided Leonardo da Vinci.

During your visit you will be able to see sketches of some of his most famous inventions, and in the garden, models of some of these famous works of engineering.

You will also be able to enjoy an immersive show, which delves into the keys to the creation of up to 17 of the artist's masterpieces, from the initial sketches to the final painting.

Map: how to get to Amboise in the Loire Valley

The small town of Amboise It is located 20 kilometers east of the city of Tours, in direction to Blois, in the Loire Valley in France.

Photos of the Royal Castle of Amboise

Here you have more photos of the Royal Castle of Amboise.