What to See & Do
Amboise Overall Appeal ★★★★★
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Amboise Castle | ★★★★★ | Castle & Garden | Either | Paid |
| 02 | Town Center | ★★★★☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 03 | Clos Lucé Castle | ★★★★☆ | Castle & Museum | Either | Paid |
| 04 | Ambacia Cellars | ★★★☆☆ | Cellars + Tastings | Guided | Paid |
| 05 | Segway | ★★★☆☆ | Segway | Tour | Paid |
| 06 | Amboise Market | ★★★☆☆ | Food Market | Self | Free |
| 07 | Mini Castles Park | ★★★☆☆ | Museum Park | Self | Paid |
| 08 | Viewpoint over Castle | ★★★☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 09 | Viewpoint over City | ★☆☆☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
| 10 | Gaillard Castle | ★☆☆☆☆ | Catsle & Garden | Self | Paid |
| 12 | St. Florentin Church | ★☆☆☆☆ | Church + Exhibition | Self | Free |
| 11 | St. Denis Church | ★☆☆☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
| 13 | Confectionery | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Sweet | Either | Paid |
| 14 | Hotel Morin Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Mansion Museum | Self | Free |
| 15 | Amboise Tourist Train | ★☆☆☆☆ | City Train Tour | Tour | Paid |
01. Amboise Castle & Garden
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Castle & Garden
Visit Self or Tour
Cost Paid
Amboise Castle is a stunning fortress overlooking the Loire River, showcasing Renaissance architecture and beautiful gardens. Built in the 15th century, Amboise Castle became a favored residence of French kings, and Leonardo da Vinci, spent his final years here and is buried in the castle’s chapel.
The terrace includes the gardens and offer breathtaking views of the Loire River and the town of Amboise.
02. Town Center
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
Amboise developed around its castle, growing into a thriving town during the Renaissance. The central square, Place Michel Debré, is the heart of the town and the pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The half-timbered houses and Renaissance mansions add a picturesque charm to the area.
03. Clos Lucé Castle (Da Vinci)
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Castle & Museum
Visit Self or Tour
Cost Paid
Clos Lucé Castle, located near Amboise Castle, is a charming manor house from the 15th centurythat served as Leonardo da Vinci’s residence in his final years.
It now functions as a museum dedicated to the life and works of the Renaissance genius featuring replicas of his inventions.
The site has also a large garden.
04. Ambacia Cellars
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Cellars + Tastings
Visit Guided
Cost Paid
A wine cellar experience in Amboise, offering tours and tastings of local wines and food. Visitors can explore the underground cellars and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.
05. Segway
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Segway
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Explore Amboise effortlessly on a guided Segway tour. These tours provide a fun and modern way to see the town’s major attractions and scenic spots.
06. Amboise Market
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Food Market
Visit Self
Cost Free
The main food market in Amboise is held twice a week: on Friday mornings and on Sunday mornings, when its size doubles.
07. Mini Castles Park
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Museum Park
Visit Self
Cost Paid
A family-friendly attraction showcasing miniature replicas of the Loire Valley’s famous castles. It’s a unique way to see the region’s architectural heritage.
Located 3km – 2mi away from the town center.
08. Viewpoint over Castle
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
A scenic spot offering ncie views of Amboise Castle and the Loire river.
09. Viewpoint over City
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
Another point providing views just over the town of Amboise.
10. Gaillard Castle
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Castle & Garden
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Gaillard Castle is a small, picturesque castle and garden located on the outskirts of Amboise. It offers a peaceful escape with its well-maintained gardens and historical ambiance.
11. St. Florentin Church
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Church + Exhibition
Visit Self
Cost Free
A Gothic-style church from the 15th century located in the heart of Amboise.
The church has become a venue for exhibitions, showcasing art and history.
12. St. Denis Church
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Church
Visit Self
Cost Free
An ancient church from the 12th century with mainly Gothic architectural elements.
13. Confectionery
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Sweet Museum
Visit Self or Guided
Cost Paid
This factory-shop-museum showcases the history and art of candy making. Visitors can learn about traditional confectionery techniques and sample various sweets.
Exhibits include antique candy-making equipment and historical packaging. Demonstrations show how traditional sweets are made. The gift shop offers a wide selection of locally made confections.
14. Hotel Morin Museum
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Mansion Museum
Visit Self
Cost Free
This is a museum located in a former mansion from the early 16th century in Amboise. It served as the town hall for part of the 19th century.
Today, it houses various collections focused on the history of the town.
15. Amboise Tourist Train
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type City Train Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
A little train offering tours with audioguided commentary around Amboise. It’s a convenient way to see the town’s key sights and learn about its history.
