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 - Prices and Visitor Information
What is Château d'Amboise in the Loire Valley?
- Explore Château d'Amboise, one of the Loire Valley’s most iconic royal residences.
- Sitting above the River Loire, the castle offers panoramic views, Renaissance architecture, and is home to the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci inside the beautiful Saint-Hubert Chapel.
- Once a residence of French kings during the Renaissance, the château played an important role in shaping French political and cultural history.
- The castle is now one of the most visited Loire Valley castles thanks to its impressive hilltop location, beautifully restored interiors, and its connection to Leonardo da Vinci.
Quick Information
- Château d'Amboise Address: Montée de l'Emir Abd el Kader, 37400, Amboise
- Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 - 18:30 (seasonal variations possible)
- Recommended Visit: 1.5-2 hours
- Family Friendly: Yes
Is Château d'Amboise Worth Visiting?
Yes, Château Royal d’Amboise is one of the most rewarding castles in the Loire Valley. It combines royal history, architectural beauty, and exceptional views in a compact and easy-to-explore site.
It is especially recommended for visitors interested in:
- French Renaissance history
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Scenic views and photography
- Loire Valley castles
What Visitors See at Château d'Amboise
- The château and the rooms open to the public
- Panoramic views over the Loire Valley
- The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci in the Saint-Hubert Chapel
- Beautiful Renaissance architecture and royal apartments
- Peaceful gardens and terraces overlooking the river
{{ticket-block-triple}}
About Château d'Amboise
The Royal Château d'Amboise in the village of Amboise in the Loire Valley. A stunning historical landmark with a rich history and magnificent architecture.
The castle offers a unique mix of history, architecture, and scenery. Unlike larger castles in the Loire Valley, it provides a more intimate and walkable experience, while still delivering incredible views and rich cultural heritage.
It was a royal residence for French kings from the 15th to the 19th century, so played a significant role in French history. A favourite to 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 in Château Clos Lucé which is only around 400 meters away. He is also buried in the chapel of Saint-Hubert on the grounds of Château d'Amboise, 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 offers opulent rooms with period furniture, tapestries, and intricate detailing that reflect the grandeur of its royal past.
It sits majestically on a hillside overlooking the Loire River and offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The terrace and gardens provide an ideal spot for photography offering visitors the chance to soak in the beauty of the Loire Valley.
The château is surrounded by an estate which includes 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.
Royal Château d'Amboise is a must-visit destination in the Loire Valley.
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 Loire Valleys most popular attractions, so it can get very busy during the summer months, so booking in advance can save you a lot of time.
- How long does it take to visit Royal Château d'Amboise in the Loire Valley?
- It takes around 1.5 - 2 hours to explore the château.
- 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.
- Where is Château d'Amboise ?
- It is in the town of Amboise which sits on the banks of the Loire River in the Loire Valley, which is around 150 km (93 miles) southwest of Paris.
- Why is Leonardo da Vinci's tomb at Château d'Amboise?
- Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years in Amboise living at Château du Clos Lucé under the patronage of King Francis I. After his death in 1519, the inventor was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert which sits within the grounds of Château d'Amboise.
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 Online: 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!
- Combination Tickets: Why not opt for one of our great combination tickets that gives you access to more than one château. Click HERE for combination tickets that include Château d'Amboise.
- 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
Château d'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
