Loire Valley is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the rich architectural and historical significance of its castles along the river Loire.
The history of this region is closely linked to the kings of France. who had built their châteaux in the 15th and 16th centuries.
A good example of it is Amboise, mandatory stop for anyone visiting this region. It is a small medieval town with narrow streets made of stone, ancient buildings, arched bridges and the famous castle: Château d’Amboise, built on top of a mountain with a strategic view of the entire city and the Loire river.
Château d’Amboise had served as residence for many kings since 1434. Numerous renovations and expansions were made over the centuries, but due to the attacks suffered in wartime, especially during the French Revolution, the castle is now only one-fifth of the original design.
Besides the royal family, Château d’Amboise also housed important artists. A great reason for visiting this castle is the fact that Leonardo da Vinci is buried there, at the Saint-Hubert Chapel.
King Francis I, a great admirer and personal friend of da Vinci, invited him to come from Rome to live in France. He accepted and settled in Amboise (where the king lived at the time) occupying Château de Clos Lucé, one of the royal summer residences.
His arrival happened in 1516 and he was named “First painter, architect and engineer of the King”. Some renovations were made in Clos Lucé to accommodate him and his disciples. He brought in his luggage some notebooks and three of his paintings: St. Anne, St. John the Baptist and Mona Lisa! Many parties and events were hosted at this castle. Leonardo produced and worked extensively in many projects of the King, but died only three years after his arrival in France, in 1519.
Clos Lucé is also open to visitors and is fully dedicated to the artist’s life. Some of his great inventions and drawings were reproduced and displayed there. There is also an exhibition about his achievements in engineering field.
This tour to Amboise and its two important castles – Château d`Amboise and Clos Lucé – is fascinating!
There are 1 day tours to Loire Valley. I took this tour and really liked it, but I would recommend you to spend a few more days in this region to enjoy the atmosphere and learn about history. If this is your first time in Paris and you have only a few days to visit the city, I suggest the trip to Versailles (much closer to Paris).
- Location: 37400 Amboise, France
- Access by car: A10 motorway – exit Amboise, 15 kilometers by road D31 and then N152.
- Access by train: TGV station (Tours-Saint-Pierre-des-Corps) is 20 km from the Château. Or take the connecting train to Amboise train station
- How much: 10.90€ (adult rate – without audio guide)