ROYAL CHÂTEAU OF AMBOISE

Situated in the Centre Val de Loire region in the town of Amboise, the medieval fortress of Amboise was replaced by a royal residence during the reigns of Kings Charles VIII and François I (late 15th - early 16th century). A number of men and women of letters from Europe as well as artists stayed at the Court of Amboise at the sovereigns’ invitation, for example, Leonardo da Vinci who was buried in the château’s chapel.

ESSENTIALS

Leonard de Vinci

In the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci

The Florentine genius, Leonardo da Vinci arrived at Amboise in 1516, at the invitation of King François I. He passed away three years later and was buried, following his wishes, within the royal château. His tomb is placed in Saint-Hubert’s Chapel.

THE LIFE OF A KING

"As such is our desire"

These were the words used by the young King François I when ordering for the Royal House of the château to be raised one floor.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Mysterious underground passageways and magical gardens

Beyond the splendours of the Royal House, it is today possible, with prior booking, to discover the underground passages and towers which gave access to the royal residence.

He kept the same desire as King Charles VIII, after having spent his childhood at Amboise, to transform the medieval fortress into a Renaissance palace. Royal residence, richly furnished, Amboise is a strong attraction for the Royal Court, and this contributes for more than one century to its political and cultural influence.

The visitor will appreciate in particular the recalling of the rich hours in the History of France and also of the daily life at the Royal Court in the Renaissance.