A day in the area around Amboise

Your day will be a delightful mix of cycling and sightseeing. In Amboise, you can travel back in time in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, take in stunning views at different viewpoints or awaken your senses.

It all depends on whether you want to spend more time cycling or sightseeing! You can choose your own programme…

A 67km loop, a variant of the Loire à Vélo, will take you between the Loire and the Cher with the Château of Chenonceau as the highlight of the trip. This Renaissance jewel can be admired from the French formal gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Médici, or from a canoe as you paddle beneath the arches stretching over the Cher. A delightful experience that allows you to discover the château in an unusual way.

This circuit also includes the city’s most famous sites: the Royal Château and the Clos Lucé. If you wish, you can also extend your trip to the Château of Chaumont and its International Garden Festival.

This second option will take you from Amboise to a range of places according to what you want to do as you discover the local heritage and history.

• The Château of Amboise, the former residence of Francis I, Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, and the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci, are among the must-sees in the royal city. You can also admire the exceptional panoramic view of the Loire Valley from the Tour Cavalière des Minimes. In summer, don’t miss the sound and light show called “Dreams of the Renaissance”.
• During the Renaissance, the Château of Le Clos Lucé was home to the creative genius of Leonardo da Vinci for three years. Have fun discovering the Italian artist’s inventions and works. There’s plenty to do for both young and old in this interactive museum that fosters imagination and creativity.
• The Royal Domain of Château Gaillard and its 15-hectare park in the heart of Amboise was built by Charles VIII based on Italian Renaissance architecture after his return from the First Italian War. It is renowned as one of the earliest French Renaissance gardens and was home to the first orangery built in France, with its many rare citrus plants.
• The Pagode de Chanteloup: after climbing the 149 steps and admiring the exceptional panoramic view from the top of this 44m high building inspired by Chinese architecture, you can explore the 14-hectare park on foot or by boat and have fun playing with the traditional wooden toys and games.

What to visit, according to your desires:

• The Mini-Châteaux Park: miniature versions of the Loire châteaux.
• The Grand Aquarium of Touraine: let yourself be transported from the waters of the Loire to tropical waters.
• Caves Ambacia: an encounter with wine enthusiasts.
• Glassmakers in Chargé: discover the art of glass blowing.
• Guided tours of the city: Amboise by night, gourmet tours, the Greniers de César (troglodyte site with underground galleries)

Top tip => Can’t decide between all these options? Why not spend the night in Amboise? 😊

See the list of Accueil Vélo accommodation here. Your hosts will offer you a warm welcome specially reserved for cycle tourists! Choose the type of accommodation you are looking for (hotel, guest room, campsite, etc.) and filter the results to show those for “Amboise”, then select “Only show Accueil Vélo accommodation”.