Château Royal d'Amboise
Château Royal d'Amboise
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:30 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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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45 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,627 reviews
Excellent
2,810
Very good
2,256
Average
458
Poor
71
Terrible
33
Frances B
Yorkshire, UK836 contributions
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).
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, CA83 contributions
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.
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.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia16,866 contributions
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.
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.
tk3232
Sugar Land, TX3,755 contributions
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.
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.
Lily Hu
Washington DC, DC851 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Gorgeous castle..but one of the smaller ones and walking through was quite quick. Each room in the castle was taken over by kids on school field trips so you really can't spend much intimate time reading and learning about each room. Much of the Jardin was blocked off so we couldn't walk the gardens, and Da Vinci's tomb was also under construction and not able to be seen. Jardin was underwhelming.
Written April 15, 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.
Hello Lilee, thank you first of all for having made the trip to Amboise, and for coming to meet us. I am a little sorry that the visit did not fully meet your expectations. I allow myself to bring some elements of answers, following your various remarks:
. The tour of the royal castle of Amboise still has a dozen stages in the house, to which are added the 2.5 hectares of the garden. Have you taken advantage of our HistoPad? This tablet, given free of charge during your visit to the ticket office (notably available in an English version), provides you with valuable information and allows you to discover the Saint Hubert chapel / Leonardo's tomb, currently under restoration.
. I admit that I don't really understand your remark about the garden. In this spring, there are no restrictions in the garden and I don't see what situation you are referring to when you mention a blockage. Do not hesitate to tell me what problem you encountered > contact@chateau-amboise.com
. School groups are indeed present at the castle, especially during the months of April and May. I can understand the inconvenience caused.
Looking forward to seeing you again perhaps in Amboise!
Written April 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR1,779 contributions
May 2022
We enjoyed the full package when visiting Amboise - we loved the chateau itself, the grounds, and the nearby views. The chapel on the grounds was unfortunately under constructions, but we were able to enter the chateau and enjoy the various decorated rooms there. The views from its towers out over both the city of Amboise and the Loire River were splendid. After touring the chateau itself, we had a nice time exploring the grounds, getting more views from the walls, and enjoying the nice weather we enjoyed. Overall we spent around 2 hours enjoying the chateau. Afterward we walked across the bridge to the island (where the Leonardo statue is located) and enjoyed great views of the river and the castle from there as well.
Written August 7, 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.
jclin10
New York City, NY125 contributions
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.
LeeinVAUSA
Alexandria, VA308 contributions
Jun 2022
This is a historically important spot in French history, for any history buffs. You will need to purchase a ticket, but there were no long lines when we traveled there in June 2022. You'll get to tour the castle, the royal residence, and the gardens overlooking the city and surrounding countryside. We spent half a day there. It is also the final resting place for Leonardo da Vinci who died at a nearby chateau in 1519 and is buried here in a chapel located inside this complex.
Written June 26, 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.
Hi, thank for your message! Hope we will see you again here in Amboise :-)
Written June 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve D
Divonne-les-Bains, France753 contributions
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
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.
Levi N
Fairfax, VA610 contributions
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.
Bonjour, combien de temps faut-il compter pour la visite du château et de ses jardins?
Merci d'avance pour votre retour.
Charlène Calmel
chateau-amboise
Amboise, France
Merci à toutes et tous pour vos réponses à Charlène. Nous indiquons à nos visiteurs un minimum de 1h15 à 1h30 pour le temps de visite, mais en effet on peut facilement flâner bien plus longtemps !
Karen P
Mansfield, UK53 contributions
Would like to visit the chateau with our dog. Are dogs allowed please ? If so where can she go and not go? Thanking you in advance
chateau-amboise
Amboise, France
Hi Karen dogs are allowed on a leash in the garden and in a bag or in your arms in the interiors. See you soon !
k0ngpak0rn
Chiang Mai, Thailand
I would like to ask about how to get to the castle. I plan to stay in Paris and take the public transportation to this castle, along with Chanonceau, Chambord and Villandry (if possible).
chateau-amboise
Amboise, France
Hello ! Amboise is directly connected by train to Paris. You have to take a train at the Paris Austerlitz station. Then you will have a charming 10 minutes walk from Amboise station to the center of the city. See you soon!
Mathilde J
Ambilly, France10 contributions
Bonjour,
Y a t’il une consigne à bagages au château d’Amboise ? Si non, ou peut on déposer des valises ?
daniel f
Avignon, France444 contributions
bonjour,non pas de consigne à bagages, mais je pense qu'il est possible de les confier à l'accueil du chateau.
Garance P
Paris, France40 contributions
Bonjour, Je voudrais savoir s'il y a un parking près du château? Merci d'avance à ceux qui pourront me répondre.
claire b
Saint-Etienne, France2 contributions
bonjour,
quel les differents tarifs de visites ? adulte - 18 ans et etudiants ?
chateau-amboise
Amboise, France
Bonjour, voici nos tarifs (incluant la tablette HistoPad et les présentations historiques de nos guides-conférencières) :
. Adultes : 13 € 10
. Enfants de 7 à 18 ans : 9 €
. Enfants de moins de 7 ans : gratuit
Tarifs réduit étudiant, chômeurs, familles nombreuses...
A bientôt,
Is there an entrance for babystrollers or do you always have to take the stairs?
chateau-amboise
Amboise, France
Hello, babystrollers have to take the stairs for the entrance. Then there's is a park area for them in the chateau. See you soon!
Gary C
2 contributions
Can you take dogs
chateau-amboise
Amboise, France
Hello Gary, dogs must be kept on a leash in the gardens and in the arms or in a bag inside the castle. Hope we will see you un Amboise. Best regards.
Château Royal d'Amboise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Château Royal d'Amboise
- Château Royal d'Amboise is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
- We recommend booking Château Royal d'Amboise tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 35 Château Royal d'Amboise tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Château Royal d'Amboise:
- Loire Valley 3 Best Castles & Wine Tasting Small-Group Day Trip from Paris (From $259.41)
- Photography tour of Château Amboise (From $386.35)
- Loire Valley Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris (From $330.94)
- Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise (From $827.89)
- Wine tasting tour in Loire Valley with castle visits and lunch (From $447.60)
- Restaurants near Château Royal d'Amboise:
- (0.03 mi) Pause Caffe (nouveaux gerants)
- (0.03 mi) Via Roma
- (0.03 mi) L'Ambacia
- (0.03 mi) Cafe du Chateau
- (0.04 mi) Amorino
- Attractions near Château Royal d'Amboise:
- (0.04 mi) La Biscuiterie d'Amboise
- (0.05 mi) Bistrot l'Atelier
- (0.06 mi) Chapelle Saint-Hubert
- (0.15 mi) Freemove Segway Centre
- (0.11 mi) Riverloire - Loire Valley Day Tours