Château Gaillard
Château Gaillard
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The most Italian Chateau in the Loire Valley ! The Royal Estate of Chateau Gaillard is a 15 hectares paradise of greenery located in the heart of the city of Amboise. It is the forgotten Paradise of the Renaissance in Touraine. On his return from Italy in 1496, young King Charles VIII fell in love with Italian cities and palaces and decided to recreate a "Paradise on Earth" at Chateau Gaillard in Amboise. In order to fulfill this dream, he convinced 22 Italian artists to come back with him to Amboise. Dom Pacello, the most famous gardener in 1500 in Europe, was leading the team. He planted the first gardens of the French Renaissance at Chateau Gaillard and acclimated the first orange trees in France. After 5 years of intensive restoration carried out by 50 artisans and craftsmen from the Loire Valley the castle is now open to the public. A diving into a marvelous story and fascinating unknown treasures such as a collection of 250 citrus & an ARCIMBOLDO bust (Free Car Park 99)
Duration: 1-2 hours
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₹1,319.32
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
786 reviews
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517
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170
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52
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KAW687
London, UK2,591 contributions
Oct 2019
This a pretty small chateaux, still a work in progress. When we visited it was dressed for Halloween and was quite amusing. However the entrance fee is very steep, it includes a guided tour but we were told this was only for French speakers. Other places in the region have audio guides in other languages. There was a nice member of staff there who seemed to be doing everything and she served us good orange juice and cake from the little cafe. Beware of the walk behind the castle it is extremely steep and we saw several people struggling to get back down.
Written 10 January 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.
Dear visitor
Thank you for your visit
Our team is here to welcome all our guests and 5 out 6 do speak English fluently
The entry ticket offers a guided tour , true , which makes it one of the lowest of the region
During the high season guided tours are in English also ending at the beginning of November
The domain has been open for the first time to the public in 2016 after 5 years of full renovation which is almost finished now .
300 workers, 40 companies , 100 000 hours of work with no public or state contribution
Saving this royal domain has been a challenge , achieved now for the pleasure of the public and visitors . Every year we add new events and exhibitions and also enriching collections .
Park , Gardens , châteaux within 15 hectares in the heart of AMBOISE are offering a unique moment .
See you next time
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DAJ2908
20 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
A lovely secluded chateau beautifully restored by the current owner, a room is dedicated to the restoration- a labour of love. You can bring a picnic and sit in the garden on the deck chairs looking at the chateau. You can wander in the forest, check out their vegetable garden, we took some good ideas from this visit. At the end of the visit you can drink a delicious freshly squeezed orange juice with a lovely moist orange cake. To top it off, if you are a dog lover you could get to meet Max, the beautiful black resident Labrador, a big strong lad, but very obedient. The staff were first class and the owner charming.
Written 14 July 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.
SLBM
10 contributions
Sept 2021
The map made us feel like we could spend hours there. The castle can be seen in 15-20 minutes and the gardens in about 30-45 minutes max. It is pretty and well rebuilt, but it felt a bit short on things to see for 14 euro-tickets.
Written 7 September 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.
Dear visitor
15 hectares in the heart of Amboise is not a small thing but a unique domain entirely renovated in 5 years by 300 workers and 40 artisans of art
Sorry to hear that you have been spending only 20 minutes in the castle !!! How can it be given the collections ?
And the gardens …taking the time to feel and smell a pharaonic restauration of the first Renaissance gardens in France
Have you been visiting the seven path of paradise ? The olfactive cave ? Just the video telling the story of the domain is lasting 10 minutes …
And the renovation exhibition in the chapel ?
We are sorry to see you did not appreciate this moment .
Hope to see you soon
Best regards
Written 10 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bernard M
Dijon, France110 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Ambroise is not just the royal castle or Clos Lucé. There is an extraordinary jewel that is Château Gaillard, on a human scale and very rich in things to discover. Deserves better than the single star in the Green Guide and Routard.
Written 8 May 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.
Merci infiniment pour votre visite et joyeux commentaire
C’est le bouche à oreille qui fait son succès !
Written 14 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CaptainsWife1
Edinburgh351 contributions
Jul 2022
Maybe not a grand as some nearby chateaus but worth a look and has some lovely ground and gardens. Bit more in English around the chateau would have enriched my visit though. Audio Guides didn't seem to be on offer either.
Written 20 July 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.
Thank you for your visit and Comments
We offer at the entrance à detailed map in English with all the rooms and gardens sites and through the circuit all exhibitions are bilingual
Our video remains indeed in French
To be adjusted
See you soon !
Written 30 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TubaKoseogluOkcu
Istanbul, Türkiye6,754 contributions
Apr 2023
This castle was not in our to see list when we planned our Loire Valley visit yet when in Amboise, as it was in walking distance to other places we visited, we gave it a try. With much less people around and with the delicious orange cake at its small orange based café Le Mercoliano, we liked it pretty much.
Apparently this castle was discovered back in 2011, discovered in the sense that it was besieged by nature in every sense and someone decided to bring it to light. It is today marketed as the most Italian castle of Loire Valley.
Just like all the small castles of the valley, this one also has been associated with a story and has taken oranges as its differentiator. Do not expect too much of a history here. It's rather a serene place, nicely renovated where you can stroll in the small garden, visit refurbished rooms and taste fresh orange juice and orange cake at the terrace.
As for the operational issues, there is no queue whatsoever at the entrance. There is a paid small parking lot at walking distance but there is also a parking area for free nearby the entrance but the area is quite small, suitable for only 2 or 3 cars utmost.
Apparently this castle was discovered back in 2011, discovered in the sense that it was besieged by nature in every sense and someone decided to bring it to light. It is today marketed as the most Italian castle of Loire Valley.
Just like all the small castles of the valley, this one also has been associated with a story and has taken oranges as its differentiator. Do not expect too much of a history here. It's rather a serene place, nicely renovated where you can stroll in the small garden, visit refurbished rooms and taste fresh orange juice and orange cake at the terrace.
As for the operational issues, there is no queue whatsoever at the entrance. There is a paid small parking lot at walking distance but there is also a parking area for free nearby the entrance but the area is quite small, suitable for only 2 or 3 cars utmost.
Written 3 June 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.
Dear visitor
Thank you for your visit and appreciation
Just to be précises
- in summer time a free car park at the 99 avenue Leonard de Vinci as a second entrance to the domain exist , 300 places !
- the castle belonged to 3 French kings in 1500 ans has been the first Renaissance gardens in France
Mary Stuart spent her honeymoon here and you can visit her apartment
- the first orange trees have been acclimated here and the conservatory is today of 300 citrus trees and 80 species
See you soon !
Written 7 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TubaKoseogluOkcu
Istanbul, Türkiye6,754 contributions
Apr 2023
This castle was not in our to see list when we planned our Loire Valley visit yet when in Amboise, as it was in walking distance to other places we visited, we gave it a try. With much less people around and with the delicious orange cake at its small orange based café Le Mercoliano, we liked it pretty much.
Apparently this castle was discovered back in 2011, discovered in the sense that it was besieged by nature in every sense and someone decided to bring it to light. It is today marketed as the most Italian castle of Loire Valley.
Just like all the small castles of the valley, this one also has been associated with a story and has taken oranges as its differentiator. Do not expect too much of a history here. It's rather a serene place, nicely renovated where you can stroll in the small garden, visit refurbished rooms and taste fresh orange juice and orange cake at the terrace.
As for the operational issues, there is no queue whatsoever at the entrance. There is a paid small parking lot at walking distance but there is also a parking area for free nearby the entrance but the area is quite small, suitable for only 2 or 3 cars utmost.
Apparently this castle was discovered back in 2011, discovered in the sense that it was besieged by nature in every sense and someone decided to bring it to light. It is today marketed as the most Italian castle of Loire Valley.
Just like all the small castles of the valley, this one also has been associated with a story and has taken oranges as its differentiator. Do not expect too much of a history here. It's rather a serene place, nicely renovated where you can stroll in the small garden, visit refurbished rooms and taste fresh orange juice and orange cake at the terrace.
As for the operational issues, there is no queue whatsoever at the entrance. There is a paid small parking lot at walking distance but there is also a parking area for free nearby the entrance but the area is quite small, suitable for only 2 or 3 cars utmost.
Written 3 June 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.
Dear visitor
Thank you for your visit and appreciation
Just to be précises
- in summer time a free car park at the 99 avenue Leonard de Vinci as a second entrance to the domain exist , 300 places !
- the castle belonged to 3 French kings in 1500 ans has been the first Renaissance gardens in France
Mary Stuart spent her honeymoon here and you can visit her apartment
- the first orange trees have been acclimated here and the conservatory is today of 300 citrus trees and 80 species
See you soon !
Written 7 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bernardbieger
San Diego, CA3 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
A week ago, we visited Château-Gaillard and couldn’t have been more amazed!
Currently undergoing extensive restauration of castle and grounds, this hidden gem is being reborn by its new owner. Main focus is the restauration of the gardens according to original designs by Dom Pacello, the “Leonardo” of landscaping and King François I's Master Gardener. Any nature lover will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, while architecture aficionados can admire one of the finest Renaissance buildings in the Loire region. Short stroll from a parking lot, we walked through the open gates unaware that the grounds were actually closed. But a generous owner, overseeing restauration projects, nonetheless invited us to roam the lush grounds as well as parts of the Château. Treated like royalty, we took our time to admire this serene and beautiful location in close proximity to Leonardo Da Vinci’s last residence, the Château-Clos du Lucé. No Amboise visit will be complete without stopping by Château-Gaillard.
We thank again our generous host, Mr. Marc L., and wish him all the best in his admirable efforts to restore the Château to its original splendors!
Valerie et Bernard
Currently undergoing extensive restauration of castle and grounds, this hidden gem is being reborn by its new owner. Main focus is the restauration of the gardens according to original designs by Dom Pacello, the “Leonardo” of landscaping and King François I's Master Gardener. Any nature lover will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, while architecture aficionados can admire one of the finest Renaissance buildings in the Loire region. Short stroll from a parking lot, we walked through the open gates unaware that the grounds were actually closed. But a generous owner, overseeing restauration projects, nonetheless invited us to roam the lush grounds as well as parts of the Château. Treated like royalty, we took our time to admire this serene and beautiful location in close proximity to Leonardo Da Vinci’s last residence, the Château-Clos du Lucé. No Amboise visit will be complete without stopping by Château-Gaillard.
We thank again our generous host, Mr. Marc L., and wish him all the best in his admirable efforts to restore the Château to its original splendors!
Valerie et Bernard
Written 23 April 2016
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 Visitors
Thank you for your kind words about the hidden and lost royal paradise of Chateau Gaillard !
We look forward to see you again in the Citrus Domain of Dom Pacello de Mercoliano !
with kind regards
The management
Written 9 May 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter V
Amboise, France337 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
The new owners of Château Gaillard, where Mary Queen of Scots was first married to François II, are doing a first-class job of restoring the château which had fallen into disrepair. Nothing is being spared in terms of landscape gardening, and expert stone and wood-work. When I visited the owners were on hand and very informative about their plans for the future. All in all an instructive and enjoyable visit.
Written 18 October 2014
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.
Daisy100London
London59 contributions
Jul 2020
This chateau has history and has only been restored since 2011. You need to walk 200 metres along a track from a general carpark and there are few signs, it’s really puzzling. There were few visitors when we were there. There are rooms filled with historic furniture, presumably bought in from outside or made specially. It feels a bit like a theme park. Refreshment place doesn’t do hot drinks and is expensive. Very little to see compared with established chateaux. Poor value. It’s not a gem and it’s no longer hidden, someone presumably bought it, restored it and opened it as a tourist attraction. You can easily give it a miss.
Written 21 July 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.
Dear visitor
Strange comment indeed
We do serve hot drinks for 3 euros !?
Expensive ?
Fortunately 50 000 other visitors per year think different than you ...
8 years of efforts and the hard work of hundreds of people have been the reality of the domain discovery
Written 16 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonjour,
Y a t il un espace pour garer les vélos près du château ? Est il possible de visiter en poussette ?
Written 2 March 2022
Bonjour,
Je voudrais savoir combien de temps il faut compter pour visiter le château et si les chiens sont autorisés.
Merci d'avance à ceux qui pourront me répondre.
Written 13 May 2021
Marc L
Amboise, France
Bonjour monsieur
Il faut compter une heure pour les jardins pacelliens, le parc, l’orangerie, les Grands Parterres sans les sept sentiers du Paradis (une autre heure) et une heure pour le château et ses collections Renaissance qui ouvrira le 19 mai . Cordialement
Written 16 May 2021
Y a-t-il beaucoup de marches d’escalier ?
Written 19 September 2019
Marc L
Amboise, France
Non on peut remonter au château par le parc sans marche et sinon pas de marches dans le château à part la tour à vis à la fin de la visite mais que l’on peut éviter
Written 20 September 2019
Cher Monsieur,
Nous vous remercions de votre visite.
La restauration de Chateau Gaillard a débuté en 2011 et durera pendant une dizaine d'années.
Il s'agit entierement d'une oeuvre de mécénat culturelle privée à vocation non mercantile.
Aucune demande de subvention n'a été faite pour cette restauration qui emploie plus de quarante cinq entreprises et métiers d'Art du département et fait intervenir plus de 250 artisans ouvriers.
Le prix du ticket d'entrée est le moins cher des sites amboisiens et couvre à peine les frais d'ouverture au public.
Nous espérons que vous aurez apprécié toutefois le charme et la magie du lieu.
Cordialement
Le Gérant
Written 17 August 2015
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