Amboise – Where Leonardo Da Vinci Spent His Last Years
The Valley of Loire is one of France’s most beautiful areas, acknowledged for its many chateaux that line the banks of the River Loire. The city of Amboise, located about 17 miles east of Tours, makes a good base to experience this fascinating region.
You can’t miss the city’s biggest attraction, the 15th. century chateau which dominates the town from its lofty setting and gives a spectacular view over the town and surrounding geographical region. Highlights of any visit include the wonderful gardens, some of the first in France to be laid out in decorous style, as well as numerous rooms full of period furniture, weaponry and beautiful tapestries.
Throughout summer evenings, sound and light shows take place regularly at the castle, complete with fireworks and costumed actors. One of the most famous guests here was Leonardo da Vinci, who was buried in the chapel, although some historians maintain that his body was subsequently moved.
Amboise has a lot to offer guests apart from its castle and makes the most of its relation with Leonardo da Vinci. The artist and scientist lived for a time in a Renaissance house called the Manoir du Clos-Luc and here, over 40 of his sketches and plans are presented, along with his bedchamber and exact models of a few of his innovative designs for mechanical devices that were far ahead of their time, including cannons, helicopters and tanks.
Just outside the town is the Parc des Mini-Chateaux, which features miniature displays of all the surrounding castles, along with water wheels and windmills and a miniature train that takes you through the grounds. And looking a little bit out of place in the heart of France is an 18th century Chinese pagoda in a nearby park, which towers over 120 feet above the surrounding parkland, and offers a panoramic view over the area.
If you come to Amboise with small kids, don’t miss the Parc de le Fou de L’Ane, a petting zoo with rides and several other attractions. Sporting events are also frequent. Rugby fans can attend the yearly springtime Balle Ovale .
Biking is another popular sport in the region of the Loire Valley. The Loire a Velo project is known internationaly for it’s more than 800km of biking paths along the river Loire. This is a fantastic way to explore the Loire Valley. Cycle along roads and paths with little traffic and enjoy the beautiful landscape in the French Countryside.
But one of the pleasures of Amboise is simply strolling its picturesque streets and feeling the atmosphere of a French [provincial~local] market town. Market day is on Friday and Sunday and is one of the largest in the Loire Area. Of course, Amboise is in the heart of one of France’s wine producing regions and it would be a shame to visit without sampling some of the delicious local wines, including the distinctive Amboise reds.
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