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Château Royal d'Amboise

Château Royal d'Amboise

Château Royal d'Amboise
4.5
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
About
With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • TubaKoseogluOkcu
    Istanbul, Türkiye6,916 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Royal Residence
    This is one of the most stunning castles of Loire Valley. It's not its architecture but its overall impression intertwined with the city of Amboise itself which makes it so unique. As of early 1400s, this castle has become a royal residence and you can see the impact of this on every corner. The gardens are very well kept. As we were there in spring, the flowers were stunning. The city view from the castle is breathtaking. The Chapelle where Leonardo da Vinci is buried was under renovation when we were there, so we couldn't visit it but this did not lessen a bit the great experience we had. The castle café was closed probably because it was out of season, but this can be an improvement area, we would love to dring coffee while watching the mind-blowingly beautiful wisteria.
    Good morning, First of all, a very big thank you for making the trip to Amboise from Istanbul, and for your kind message. I am very happy that you enjoyed the visit. As for the Café du château, it opens in high season, on weekends from April, then every day in July/August. See you soon, perhaps on the occasion of the reopening of the chapel, on June 15? ;-)
    Written March 4, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 1, 2024
  • Ikou s
    49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amboise is nice
    I really enjoyed visiting this castle and the histopad really gives an enriching experience. We can better imagine what life must have been like at the time of all these kings and queens. I am won over. I know I could take my grandchildren on this tour without them being bored during the tour. The town of Amboise is also very pleasant.
    Merci beaucoup pour votre message. Nous serons bien sûr ravis de vous accueillir à nouveau avec vos petits-enfants. A très bientôt !
    Written April 4, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 2, 2024
  • jujul62
    Vendin-le-Vieil, France169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Super
    Very beautiful castle, the hisstopad is included in the admission price , do not hesitate to take the time of the visit, its allows to see the castle at the time and learn things about the castle. We see that the chapel has just been renovated it is very beautiful , bravo for the restoration of the chapel. The gardens are very beautiful too and well maintained. In good weather from the castle gardens you can see a beautiful view of the city and the Loire. Very friendly staff. Toilet very clean clean regularly. Visit to the top. At the top!!!!
    Merci Jujul ! Ravi que la découverte du château vous ait plu. Je fais suivre votre gentil message à mes collègues, notamment aux espaces verts et à la propreté. Au plaisir de vous revoir bientôt à Amboise.
    Written June 30, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 27, 2024
  • Rita G
    Brenham, Texas253 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Guide informative
    The guide was very informative during our tour of Chateau Amboise. Uniquely positioned over the river below. The newly renovated chapel where Da Vinci is buried was outstanding. Walking thru the rooms and learning about the history was interesting. Would recommend this visit.
    Thank you very much for the recommendation dear Cooltreats! Hope we will see you again soon here in Amboise.
    Written July 25, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 23, 2024
  • Niebla85
    Florence, Italy1,696 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The great Leonardo is here
    The cost of the adult ticket is 16.40 euros, but Recommendation to view the site for all information. The view of the castle from the river is certainly extraordinary, and the castle is impressive especially because there is the tomb of the great genius, Leonardo da Vinci. The brochure is very well done and in my opinion is enough for the visit. I really enjoyed the gardens. Time for the visit: about 2 hours.
    Grazie mille per la tua visita e il tuo messaggio. Siamo molto felici che ti sia piaciuto. Viva l'amicizia franco-italiana!
    Written August 7, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 7, 2024
  • StefConsuelo
    Eauze, France217 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful castle.
    Superb castle in the city center. Very easy to access. Very beautiful renaissance building, with a nice garden. A pretty chapel with the remains of Leonardo da Vinci (without historical certainty ) To do absolutely.
    Merci beaucoup pour ce sympathique témoignage, à bientôt à Amboise !
    Written August 11, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 10, 2024
  • Olivier C
    Saint-Saulve, France82 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    To do without hesitation
    Beautiful visit in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci the chapel where his tomb lies has just been restored it just sublime. Very nice view of the Loire. Castle whose visit is made with a tablet included in the Award of admission , the route is well organized and curved to optimize your visit. Garden reproduced in the same way that changes French gardens
    Un grand merci Olivier ! A très bientôt à Amboise, bel été à vous. @Toutes et tous : j'ajoute aux informations d'Olivier la possibilité de suivre tous les jours nos visites guidées du château, comprises dans le billet d'entrée sans supplément, ni réservation.
    Written August 14, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 13, 2024
  • Diane The Traveller
    United Kingdom117 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t hesitate to visit
    A lovely château with good views of the town. The inside of the château has an easy to follow route with interesting things to see. The gardens are lovely to walk round. The chapel contains the final resting place of Leonardo Da Vinci. Certainly a château worth visiting.
    Thanks Diane! Hope we will see you again.
    Written September 1, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 20, 2024
  • Claire S
    l'Houmeau, France10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chateau d Amboise
    Morning and sunny family visit with a 2-year-old child. Accessible by stroller (except the castle on 3 levels). The castle on the banks of the Loire, overlooking the city, with its superb garden is definitely worth a visit. Number of visitors much more reasonable than in Chenonceau and made a much less stressful (and therefore much more pleasant) visit with an infant!.. to see.
    Bonjour Claire, merci d'être passée nous voir en famille, avec le petit bout. Nous sommes ravis que la visite vous ait plu. A très bientôt !
    Written September 1, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 21, 2024
  • Tuk
    Caen, France9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Family visit
    Beautiful exterior, very beautiful garden. Tablet that allows you to imagine surrounded by the characters of the time, it also allows to occupy children (even teenagers). Small downside: when you see the castle from the outside, you imagine visiting more rooms inside. That said, it's still beautiful. Trip Tip: visit the Clos Lucé, a magnificent place where Leonardo da Vinci lived. We also see all his inventions, his works, his ideas... This small castle is 500 metres from Château royayd'amboisr
    Bonjour cher Freedom, merci beaucoup de votre message, au plaisir de vous revoir bientôt. @A toutes et tous : n'hésitez pas en effet à profiter de la tablette HistoPad, et de nos visites guidées. Elles sont comprises dans votre billet sans supplément, ni réservation. Et oui, bien sûr, faites aussi une visite à nos collègues du Clos Lucé.
    Written September 1, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Frances B
Yorkshire, UK2,700 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Solo
I have to say I stumbled across Château Royal d’Amboise. I had chosen to stay in Amboise based on its location next to the Loire and was thrilled to discover this amazing château.
The morning of my visit visitors to the château were sparse. It cost me €13 to enter and having now been around the building and its gardens, I feel this is excellent value.
Once I had paid the entrance fee I was offered a computer tablet programmed in my chosen language to accompany my visit. This was included in the entrance fee and made the trip really fun and interactive. The tablet links in with your location within the château or grounds and provides further information. What I particularly loved though was it’s ability to provide you with a 360 degree view in certain areas, of what life would have been like back in the 15th Century, being stood where you were. I thought this technology was very clever.
The château is immaculately kept. The architecture is stunning and it felt special to be able to visit the chapel where Leonardo Da Vinci is buried.
I also loved the gardens. They are so well designed and manicured.
The views from the château are superb. Depending on where you are stood you may be overlooking the old part of Amboise town or the Loire.
There is also a cafe located near to the entrance of the château and a lovely shop to browse around, as you exit the building.
I highly recommend a visit here. You can obviously spend as long as you like here but equally see all you need to within a couple of hours (depending on how busy it is).
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A HUGE thank for your post, you are a stunning ambassador ofthe royal castle of Amboise !
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brenda G
Los Angeles, CA134 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Couples
We went on a Saturday at the end of September. We were staying in Amboise so we didn’t have to deal with parking we just walked over from our hotel so I can’t really speak to the parking situation.

We purchased tickets online in advance and got there as soon as they opened at 9 which was fantastic because we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. We ran into about 2 or 3 different people the whole time we were there. Our health pass was checked and masks were required. The staff was really friendly.

The inside of the château itself did not take much time to go through (loved the Histopad which was included with the price of the entrance fee). The majority of our time here was actually spent outside enjoying the beautiful views and taking pictures. We did not walk all of the gardens, but some, and managed to do everything in less than an hour and a half. Loved our visit. It was beautiful.
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A huge, huge thank for you kindly message! Hope we will see you again in Amboise, maybe in Spring beacause the garden is also marvelous at this time :-)
Written November 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jclin10
New York City, NY138 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
A spectacular and beautiful chateau, rich with history and intrigue, in an entertaining and inviting castle town. We happened to arrange a private tour with a guide, Claire, through the Tours office of tourism, and she was amazing (we would very much recommend her) — full of fascinating facts and highly engaging, even with our children (11 and 9 years old). She made the history of the French Renaissance come alive and that alone was worth the entire experience.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A huge thank for your visit! See you soon!
Written September 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

suffdoc
england92 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
We visited as a couple during the Covid19 pandemic. The chateau and gardens were beautiful; many of the rooms were furnished and we had good information from the Histopad which was provided, included in the admission price. The separate chapel was also well worth a visit, housing the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. the only problem was that as some of the corridors between rooms were quite small, social distancing was not possible, and we felt it was rather more crowded than ideally it should have been.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tk3232
Sugar Land, TX4,269 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
This historic Castle, built in the late 15th century, became the favored royal residence in the Loire under Charles VIII. Charles is famous for accidentally killing himself by walking into a door lintel on his way to a tennis match (seriously). Later, more careful occupants include Louis XII (who moved the royal court to Blois) and Francois I (who physically brought the Renaissance here in 1516, in person of Leonardo da Vinci). Of course, it was very interesting to look at this castle from the inside, but most of all we wanted to visit the St. Hubert Chapel, where located the grave of Leonardo da Vinci.

Unfortunately, this entire chapel is undergoing extensive repairs and there was no opportunity to look at the grave of a genius. As we know, in fact, where he's actually buried, no one seems to know. But why not imagine that he is here? No one knows when the repair will be completed, you can only look at it through the gadget that you are given along with the ticket. This is the same effect as looking at Google. But anyway, it was disappointed.

The rooms and halls of the castle are not as richly furnished as other castles of the Loire Valley, more replica furniture, little history (they give a brochure at the entrance, which you don’t have time to read anyway during the visit), the gadget that was given to you reproduces historical pictures, you need it somewhere to scan, not all people can understand how to operate on them, and this only interferes with the visit, and also takes up hands with an extra object, visitors lose patience and this is all just annoying. Chateau Royal d'Amboise is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, costs 13.50 euros and is conveniently located in the city center. I really love the history of France and I come to Amboise for the second time to see different castles, but I would not go specifically to this castle for the second time, I was sorry for the time and money spent.
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Madam, First of all, thank you for coming to visit us. Let me add a few things to your post: . The chapel of the castle is, in fact, currently being restored and is not accessible to visitors. This information is prominently displayed at the entrance to the ticket office, on our website (especially in its English language version) and on our social networks. A historical monument requires regular maintenance to ensure its durability... Beyond the HistoPad tablet that you seem not to have appreciated, were you able to take advantage of the mediation set up around this exceptional site? I am thinking in particular of the videos in English presenting the techniques and know-how implemented? It seems to us that we come out of it no less educated. . We're also sorry that you didn't make more use of the HistoPad to enrich your visit to the interior spaces. It seems to us that its use is rather simple (including for scanning) and relevant, as evidenced by the vast majority of positive feedback from our visitors. No, visitors "do not lose patience" as you state somewhat peremptorily, quite the contrary. Cordially.
Written October 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,003 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021
Amboise was the most memorable town of our 3 days Chateaus tour.
The Chateau Royal has an elevated commanding position overlooking the whole town and Loire. I suggest before visiting it to stop at the Loire islet across (where's Leonardo monument) to capture this beautiful panorama.
Do not park below the Chateau as it's difficult to find the spot by the river and you'll waste your time. Rather drive little bit south of the very center where're two big free parking lots conveniently located for visiting both castles - this one and Clos Luce.
The former fortress became a Royal residence during Charles VIII and specially Francois I who invited Leonardo to project, enlarge and decorate it giving him to reside at the nearby Clos Luce (also must visit, read that review). Interiors are very impressive, as well the gardens and the Hubert Chapel - Leonardo's final resting place.
Entry fee is reasonable, count on 1,5 to 2 hours for a proper visit.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your post, you are just the perfect ambassador of Amboise :-) You are right : it's a very good advice to make a stop on the "Ile d'or" island to take a photo of the castle before or after visiting it. We are really delighted to read that you have enjoyed your stay here and we hope we will welcome you again.
Written December 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Steve D
Divonne-les-Bains, France847 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
The first thing we liked was the iPad guide which was clever enough to know where we were in the castle. Very smart technology.

The route around was clearly marked. (This is not always the case)

The rooms and exhibits were all fascinating and you could feel yourself f
Going back in time.

A first class experience

Don’t miss it
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A huge thank for your post Steve! Hope we will see you again in Amboise! Have a nice summer.
Written June 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

6Marga DO🇪🇸✈️⛵🌼🍁
Costa del Sol, Spain4,424 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Strategically located as a fortress in the past, it has spectacular views over the Loire River.
It is a very visited castle, so much so that our visit in the month of August was overwhelming. You had to get into the crowd to take a photo. It was early in the afternoon. The temperature was quite high on those days of the month, so I would recommend visiting first thing in the morning in summer.
It was the favorite place of the French royal family and Leonardo da Vinci was buried there. Its architectural style is Renaissance.
The gardens are truly spectacular.
Google
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buenos dias, Muchas gracias por pasar por aquí y tomarse el tiempo para publicar este mensaje. Estamos encantados de que haya disfrutado de la visita. De hecho, durante las horas punta del verano, le recomendamos programar su visita temprano en la mañana o en la segunda mitad de la tarde. El castillo cierra entonces a las 19:00 horas, lo que deja tiempo para disfrutar tranquilamente del lugar. ¡Esperamos verle pronto de nuevo en Amboise!
Written September 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Levi N
Fairfax, VA658 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Couples
This place was amazing. It's much better than Chateau Chambord. It's right in the middle of town. It cost about 14 euro per person. The tours are only in french but you probably wouldn't need one it's so well laid out. They also offer the histiopad to guide you but honestly the little pamphlet is more than sufficient. It offers amazing views of Amboise and the Loire. The path is also amazingly laid out. Historically, it crushes Chambord. It was the seat of French power for quite a while and the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci. You will have to show proof of vaccination to get in. It also wasn't nearly as crowded as Chambord. We loved our visit.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A huge thank for your post! Hope we will see you again here in Amboise :-)
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brad
Hong Kong, China180,460 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
This is a castle built upon the hillside along the Loire Valley and overlooking the small city of Amboise. It is open from 9am to 6pm daily while entry is €16.40 per adult and includes a Histopad which you can use to learn about the castle history, architecture and important figures that resided and spent time at the castle during centuries past.

With a history that dates back at least to the 10th-century, what you see today is mostly revamped Royal Palace buildings of Flamboyant Gothic and French Renaissance style from the 15th-16th centuries. In addition to royal residents, Leonardo da Vinci lived nearby and worked here at the time of his death in the early 16th-century. You can see his tomb at St. Hubert Chapel within the castle grounds.

The various rooms within Chateau Royal d'Amboise are nicely preserved and decorated with period furniture. The Histopad tells interesting stories and provides good information through the tour which takes anywhere from 60-90 minutes to complete. You can also simply walk through the castle on your own without the Histopad if you prefer. The garden amongst the castle grounds is nice as are the occasional views of the Loire River which passes by the castle.

There is a gift shop and public toilets near the entrance. Tickets can be purchased online on the castle website. However, we just walked in for our midweek morning visit. There was a short queue in front of us of only a few people and the visit was not particularly crowded on the day.
Written October 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your visit and your kind message. We hope you had a nice journey in Loire Valley. See you soon!
Written October 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Château Royal d'Amboise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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