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Latest Amboise hotel reviews
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I hadn't known before our holiday that Leonardo DaVinci had any connection to France besides his paintings in the Louvre. What a great surprise it was to learn that he spent the last years of his life in Amboise. His home during those years was called Clos Luce. The home was given to him by Francois I, who also saw to it that he received 700 gold crowns each year. In return, Leonardo provided his services and also brought to France three paintings - La Gioconda, St John the Baptist and Saint Anne, the Virgin and the Infant Jesus.
The manor is open for tours, as are the grounds. If you take the tour, you will walk through his home and basement. His home has a bright cheery feel to it and even though the furnishings are not the original pieces, you still get a feeling of how Leonardo lived in Amboise. In the basement, you'll see many models of inventions that Leonardo had in his notes - such as the automobile, flying machine, parachute and many others.
On the grounds, you can walk through the gardens and along the paths to see many of the inventions life size. See them, touch them and most of all - appreciate them. Leonardo was truly a genius.
Open year round from around 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Price was Euro 13 for adults.
Updated Jul 5, 2011
Address: 2 rue du Clos Lucé - 37400 Amboise
Phone: +33 (0) 2 47 57 00 73
Website: http://www.vinci-closluce.com/
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The most Italian castle of the Loire Chateaux. The castle, built on the Plateau des Chateliers, rise above with its white towers and walls.
The Turons, ancestors inhabitants lived here from the 1st century because of the natural protection and ideal spot for the fortification offered by this plateau. In 1434, the castle is confiscated by Charles VII from counts D`Amboise. Kings Louis XI, Charles VIII and Francois I enlarged, transformed and modified it. Another chapter of history was wrote here: conspiracy of Amboise ;its purpose was the elimination of the Guise family
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Pl.M. Debre
Phone: 33 (0)2 47 57 00 98
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Built in the 15th and 16th centures, this authentic royal castle, introduces Italian style to the Loire valley. Relive the warmth of the past in this historical place thanks to the presence of an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furnishings.
After visiting the royal residences, do not miss a walk through the beautiful panoramic gardens full of Mediterranean plants.
In the Saint-Hubert chapel, the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci has recently been elegantly restored.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
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Amboise was first a part of the possession of the count of Anjou, and then it belonged to the famous house of Amboise. From 1431 on the castle belonged to the Crown, from then on the chateau d'Amboise was no longer a fortress but a royal residence of the queen and her children. Little by little the kings left Amboise and the Vallée de la Loire in order to live nearer to Paris, but they left behind a legacy of opulence we can enjoy today.
In 1974 the Saint-Louis Foundation took over the administration of the castle and continues to carry out the restoration which began at the end of WWII.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Rampe du Château37400 Amboise
Phone: 02.47.57.00.98
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This castle stands on a flattened hill that was originally a Stone Age settlement, fortified in the Iron Age by a ditch and a rampart. In AD 503, Clovis, king of the Franks, met with Alaric, king of the Visigoths, at Amboise. But the 15th and 16th centuries were Amboise's golden age, when the castle, enlarged and embellished, became a royal palace. Charles VII stayed here, as did the unfortunate Charles VIII, best remembered for banging his head on a low doorway and dying as a result. The castle's interior is partly furnished, though not with the original objects; these vanished when the building was converted into a barracks and then a button factory.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
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This was the business! Having been somewhat disappointed with the Aquarium, we had purchased, at a discount, a further ticket for this attraction. What an absolute joy this was. When you entered, there were costumes for princes and princesses, knights and kings in the entrance for the children. What a brilliant idea! The children could dress up and pretend to be their heros and gallop around on imaginary horses amongst the really stunning miniature Chateaux. Each castle was lovingly recreated in fine detail in wood and stone. Quite frankly, when you scroll down to the pictures I took, you could not tell the difference between the models and the real thing. It was an all afternoon affair and I would have happily spent all day there examining the minutiae of the model buildings.
They also had, quite bizarrely, model trains running around the castles and over the small bridges and around the ponds. I would not neccesarily have connected the two things, but the children seemed to love it and it made Hubby's day. He loves trains.
Well worth a visit!!!
Updated Sep 4, 2010
Address: La Menaudière - D31 - 37400 AMBOISE
Phone: 02 47 23 44 57
Website: http://www.aquariumduvaldeloire.com/CHATEAUX/information.php
Drummers Hall is reached before you come to the Council Chamber, and it features some more decorations:
- Gothic raised chair, decorated with emblems
- Flemish tapestry showing the family of King Darius of Persia pleading with Alexander the Great (in all his royal glory - horses, weapons, jewellery, trumpets, et all) to spare his life.
Written Jan 9, 2010
The council chamber is the largest room in the house, also vaulted and features two fireplaces - a Gothic and a Renaissance one. There are more decorations in the form of initials of Anne de Bretagne and her first husband - King Charles VIII.
Written Jan 9, 2010
The Guards' Room is one of the first one visits and would have been the first life of defense against somebody who entered the castle proper. Not being part of royal apartments, it has little architectural details and no decorations, apart from the vaulted ceiling. There are interesting articles dating back to 15th-16th centuries:
- weaponry: shields and swords, mostly
- a suit of armour
- furniture: dining table in the centre and some chests
Written Jan 9, 2010
Where?
In the grounds of the Amboise castle
What?
The chapel, dedicated to St. Hubert (patron of hunting and hunters), was recently restored and is most likely the site where Leonardo da Vinci, who lived in Amboise in the later life, is buried
Written Jan 9, 2010
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Where?In the grounds of the Amboise castleWhat?The chapel, dedicated to St. Hubert (patron of hunting and hunters), was recently restored and is most likely the...
1 member lives in Amboise
Q: Sorry if this has already been discussed but could anyone advise if Amboise would be a good base for 3 ladies who will have to...
A: Amboise is on a rail line to/from Tours and also has a couple of bus routes. The train service is fairly reasonable if somewhat irregular. If you already have tickets to...
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1
Amboise was the first of the chateaux we visited. There were many surprises at this castle. Leonardo da Vinci visited here often and is buried in Saint-Hubert Chapel, a gothic chapel which is on the...
2
“You may go to Amboise either from Blois or from Tours; it is about half-way between these towns. The great point is to go.” — from “A Little Tour In France” 1884 by Henry James What was true in...
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Amboise is a very pretty but sort of sleepy little city with nice chateau on top of the hill overlooking the Loire. Some sort of fortification has sat here since Roman times. The city's main claim to...
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This is just outside the Chateau, is a one way system but basically a pedestrian precinct, so you can wander around quite freely. The tourists all come here so it is a little bit more expensive than...
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In the heart of the Garden of France
Maybe the most charming town of the region,Amboise is dominated by its castle ,proud testimony of its historical interrest.From the castle `s walls, the town is like a toy with white houses ,pointed...
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