Why you should visit Amboise, France

The glitz and sophistication of Paris is undeniable, but a true French gem is only an hour away by high-speed train: Amboise. This charming city in the Loire Valley is an old summer getaway for aristocrats and royalty. Its glittering river banks and pristine forests are infested with fairytale châteaux, vivid gardens, and postcard-worthy views at every turn. Here are a few reasons why you should visit Amboise, France.

The Royal Castle of Amboise

Right in the center of the city is the Château Royal d’Amboise, the Royal Castle of Amboise. We stayed in a fabulous 15th century townhouse called Villaconcorde directly across from the castle. We were so close, I could have peppered the walls with raspberry macarons from the kitchen window! (Though, I would never waste macarons thusly!) The castle is even older than the townhouse with foundations that date back to the 9th century, and (supposedly) the complete skeleton of Leonardo da Vinci was found in the Chapel of St. Florentin perched high on the castle grounds. The self-guided tour of the castle is excellent and well worth €15. Standing atop the ramparts, gazing out over the Loire River as the pennants flap in the breeze above, you can’t help but imagine Leonardo da Vinci and his benefactor, King Francis I, watching a silly American throw cookies at their castle.

Castles, castles everywhere

Towering, swoon-worthy châteaux are as ubiquitous as croissants in and around Amboise. Within the city, you can visit Château du Clos Lucé, DaVinci’s home at the end of his life, and Château Gaillard, a restored Italianate residence. A mere 20 minutes away is the river-spanning marvel of Chenonceau. Even on our drive to Chenonceau, I saw marvelous manors down tree-lined driveways and peaking out of wooded glades. And only an hour away are other must-visit castles: Villandry, Langeais, and Azay-le-Rideau. Booking small group tours with transportation makes seeing the multitudes of castles easy, relaxing, and breathtaking.

The miracle of Loire Valley wine

I foolishly thought I wasn’t much of a wine drinker until I had my first glass of wine during a stupid good meal at le Clos d’Amboise (review to come!). We ordered one bottle of white and one bottle of red to go with our five-course meal. As I’m not a wine connoisseur, I will describe them as “yummerific”. 

My wine awakening didn’t stop there. On our day tour to the castles of Chenonceau and Chambord, we stopped at a small family-run winery (an old monastery) for lunch and a tasting. Once again, I was blown away by the complexity yet smoothness of wine that only costs €8-12 per bottle. Even the old winery dog, Jackor, was amazing. During the tour of the vineyard, the owner said that, by strict regulation, they aren’t allowed to water the grapes at all. Whatever rain falls is what they get. Take it from this new adult grape juice drinker: what rainfall they get is excellent.

Photographic much?

Every view in Amboise is stunning. Period. The end. Looking back through my photos of France, I noticed that 70% seem to be of Amboise and the Loire Valley. From staggering architecture, intricate English gardens bursting with flowers, cobbled streets lined with patisseries, and the placid yet commanding Loire River, you won’t lack for photo opportunities. The best views came from the top of Amboise Castle, the main bridge stretching across the Loire River, and DaVinci’s residence.

The ability to savor every moment

Paris is a hustle, bustle, “hey, what’s next?” kind of city. That can be great–for a time. If you want to really engage with France and pretend to be a local for a brief, magical moment, try Amboise. This city has slow strolls beside the lazy Loire River as you wind your way towards the castle and a gently lit square of restaurants. There’s the din of happy voices, but no shouting, no cars roaring by, no noisy trains. People are friendly and genuine. Reservations are important on the weekend or during the summer, but otherwise, probably not required. You aren’t worried at all if you are turned away from a full brasserie because you know there’s another phenomenal one just next door. Relax on a terrace, gaze at the mighty walls of Amboise Castle, and raise a glass of local Sauvignon Blanc to this enchanting city.

Affordable and comfortable

Finally, I want to note that the quality and price of accommodations, food, wine, tours, and souvenirs was exceptional. Our gourmet five-course meal at le Clos d’Amboise was €50 per person. That level of food, service, and ambience in the U.S. would easily run you over $100 per person. A gorgeous room at 4-star le Clos d’Amboise during the spring will run you $98-110 per night. If you walk five minutes from the hotel/restaurant, you can devour a fresh flaky, pain au chocolat and a large (yes, large!) artful cafe crème at L’Horloge for €4. A few days in Paris is an excellent main course, but just like with dessert, you won’t regret saving room for Amboise.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or want to share your own thoughts about Amboise, please comment below.

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