The Château Royal d'Amboise sits on a bluff above the Loire River and the town of Amboise, and was a favoured residence of French Renaissance kings such as Charles VIII and Francis I. It is world-famous as the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci, whose presumed remains lie in the château's Chapel of Saint-Hubert, which reopened in spring 2024 after its largest restoration in roughly 150 years. With sweeping terrace views over the Loire, it makes an ideal half-day visit combining Renaissance architecture and history.
Chapel of Saint-Hubert and Leonardo da Vinci's tomb — a jewel of Flamboyant Gothic architecture with delicate carvings in soft tuffeau stone, reopened after its 2024 restoration.
The Logis Royal (Royal Lodging) — royal apartments blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, furnished with period pieces and brought to life by the free HistoPad tablet's augmented-reality reconstructions of the court.
Tour des Minimes and Tour Heurtault — remarkable round towers with internal spiral ramps designed so horses and carts could ride straight up to the château.
Terraces and gardens above the Loire — panoramic views over the river and the town of Amboise, Italian-style gardens, and a bust of Leonardo da Vinci.
Renaissance royal history — birthplace of Charles VIII (who died here after striking his head on a door lintel), a childhood home of Francis I, and the tragic setting of the 1560 Amboise Conspiracy.
Good to know
SeasonSummers (July-August) in the Loire Valley can be very hot and the château terraces offer little shade; guided tours may be adjusted during heatwaves for safety, so bring a hat and water and visit in the early morning.
SafetyThe spiral-ramp towers and old stone stairs can be steep and slippery, and the terraces sit high above the Loire—supervise children closely near the edges and railings.
RulesThe HistoPad tablet included with your ticket (Korean supported) must be returned after your visit; dogs are allowed on a leash in the gardens only and are not permitted inside the towers.
MannersThe Chapel of Saint-Hubert is Leonardo da Vinci's resting place and a space of remembrance—keep your voice low and avoid flash or noisy photography.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official website or the on-site box office and avoid marked-up third-party resale sites or unofficial 'guides'; parking in town is paid, so use the official car parks.
RulesVisitors with reduced mobility can reach the first two floors and the gardens by wheelchair (upper floor viewable via HistoPad), but a valid accompanying companion is required by the château's rules.
Practical info
The château stands on the hill in central Amboise, about 20-35 minutes by car or train from Tours (the TGV station is in Tours, roughly 20 km away), with paid parking throughout the town. It is open year-round except 1 January and 25 December, but hours vary by season (roughly 9:00 opening, closing between 17:00 and 19:00); 2026 admission is around €17.30 for adults, €11 for ages 7-18 and free under 7, but always confirm current prices, hours and events on the official website before your visit.
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