Around the World – Amboise [Images]

Amboise is a small medieval town located on the banks of the Loire River in France, constituting one of the most emblematic destinations in the Loire Valley castles region. Amboise Castle, which dominates the landscape from a rocky promontory, was the residence of several French kings, including Charles VIII and Francis I. Within its grounds is the Saint-Hubert Chapel, notable for its flamboyant Gothic architecture and for being the place where the remains of Leonardo da Vinci are believed to be buried, whose last home, the Château du Clos Lucé, now functions as a museum with replicas of his inventions.

The town invites visitors to stroll peacefully through its old streets, with traditionally styled houses and terraces along the river. The Île d'Or, an island in the middle of the Loire, offers green spaces ideal for picnics, and the region is renowned for its wines from the Touraine-Amboise denomination, as well as local gastronomy featuring goat cheeses, rillettes and traditional sweets. Nearby, the Pagode de Chanteloup, an 18th-century tower in Chinese style with gardens and a lake, is worth a visit.

To visit the town of Amboise, one full day is sufficient to explore the Château Royal, the Clos Lucé, the historic center, the Île d'Or and try the local gastronomy. Among the main points of interest are the historic center with the Clock Tower, the Belvédère viewpoint with views over the Loire Valley, and the local markets with regional products.

As for transportation, there is no airport in Amboise, with the nearest options being the airports of Tours or Paris. By train, there are direct connections between Paris and Amboise with a duration of between 1h23 and 1h39, and by car the distance is approximately 217 km. The best time to visit is May, June or September, when mild temperatures, blooming gardens and fewer crowds combine compared to summer.