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Château Royal d'Amboise

Château Royal d'Amboise

Château Royal d'Amboise
4.5
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 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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  • regryan113
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania154 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see in Amboise !
    Absolutely beautiful Chateau, grounds and view of Amboise. We loved our visit! We went shortly after they opened and had so much of the Chateau to ourselves. We loved being able to tour the Chateau with the provided tablet, that had so much information for us. The grounds and garden are beautiful, so peaceful. I highly recommend a visit when in Amboise. (we were lucky to be able to walk from our hotel in town. We also purchased entry tickets on-line prior to going, but don't know that that is necessary. There was no wait buying tickets when we arrived).
    Dear Traveler, a huge thank for your kindly post. It's good to read that you have enjoyed your stay and your visit in Amboise. Hope we will see you again here! @To everyone : no obligation to reserve your ticket in advance. You can do this for greater convenience and faster access :-)
    Written 26 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 October 2023
  • TubaKoseogluOkcu
    Istanbul, Türkiye6,863 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 4 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 March 2024
  • Rita G
    Brenham, Texas254 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 25 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 July 2024
  • Diane The Traveller
    United Kingdom92 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 1 September 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 August 2024
  • Auggie
    La Plata, Argentina79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chateau Royal de Amboise
    Nice chateau overlooking a lovely village in the Loire Valley. The chateau itself isn't the greatest chateau you'll visit, but if you are in the region, it's definitely worth a visit. The gardens are beautiful and also the views. Did I mention there's a chapel with Leonardo Da Vinci remains? Unfortunately, at the time of our visit the chapel was undergoing reconstruction work, so we couldn't get inside.
    Thanks a lot! @ To all : the chapel and Leonardo da Vinci's tomb are now reopen :-)
    Written 1 September 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
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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 17 August 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
Sept 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 13 October 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 14 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,004 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 28 December 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 30 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Steve D
Divonne-les-Bains, France849 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 18 June 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 21 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

6Marga DO🇪🇸✈️⛵🌼🍁
Costa del Sol, Spain4,303 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 10 September 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 11 September 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 9 August 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 16 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Brad
Hong Kong, China1,78,331 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 7 October 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 8 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,429 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 7 August 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.

Gotravel20
Pennsylvania188 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
The chateau and the grounds are worth visiting even if you have only a couple hours in Amboise. They currently require proof of vaccination or negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of visit. A lot of history here if you are a history buff, the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci is supposed to be in the cathedral. The gardens are impressive, views from the grounds of the town and the Loire river are spectacular. The water spouts on the walls have a different animal head on them.
Written 31 July 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.
Thanks Geetha, good to hear that you have enjoyed the visit! See you soon.
Written 16 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ShaunH290
London, UK2,986 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Given its commanding position above the town, overlooking the river Loire, it is not surprising that the Royal Castle has a great deal of history. What was surprising was that it has even more than its rival in Blois! It is a larger site and more spacious, with lovely gardens. Leonardo da Vinci's burial site (original marked by a sculpture; currently in the Chapel of St Hubert) adds to the interest.

Charles VII died here after hitting his head on a door lintel. Charles VIII was born here. Francis I and the children of Henri II and Catherine de Medici were raised here. Louis-Philippe I received it from his mother after Napoleon's downfall and later became king and some of the rooms are decorated in his style.

The most surprising feature is not one, but two cavalry towers, allowing mounted horsemen to ride up from the town to the castle.
Written 25 September 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.
Thank you very much for this very comprehensive message Shaun! We are delighted that you enjoyed to immerse yourself in the history of France during your visit to Amboise. See you soon!
Written 28 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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CHÂTEAU ROYAL D'AMBOISE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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