Historic Loire Valley Towns

Amboise

Amboise sits on the banks of the Loire in the heart of vineyards country known as Touraine-Amboise. It has 12,000 inhabitants and is located in the land of chateaux. Sitting on the south bank of the Loire River, 23km upstream from Tours, the beautiful town of Amboise has sprouted from around the edges of the fortified chateau d’Amboise – an impressive structure.

The town, though small, is not without its celebrity – largely owing to the imposing chateau which overlooks the Loire from the rocky outcrop above the town. Today a small market town, Amboise was once the home of the French royal court.

Leonardo da Vinci

As a guest of the King, Leonardo da Vinci came to Amboise in 1515 and lived and worked in the nearby Clos Lucé which is connected to the château by an underground passage. The city is famous for the Clos Lucé manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived at the invitation of Francis I of France and is to this day a well patronised tourist attraction.

Leonardo da Vinci spent the remaining years of his life in Amboise.

The Château d'Amboise dominates the town located 500 meters away from the city centre. From the top of the 14th century horseman's tower (Tour de l'Horloge) of Amboise you can take in the beautiful and historic town. Amboise draws a busy tourist trade that may detract from the quieter pleasures of strolling around town, but makes it a good destination for children - the town simply oozes charm.

The beautiful 15th century Town Hall (Hotel de Ville) is a mansion of Renaissance architecture and another must see attraction. There is also a picturesque town gateway of the 15th century, surmounted by a belfry.

The town of Amboise owes much of its importance to Georges d'Amboise whose family is responsible for the construction and further fortification of the castle around which the rest of the town appeared.

Today, the townspeople talk about Mick Jagger's purchase of a nearby château – which has now become a tourist attraction of sorts in its own right.

Amboise is at once a town both traditional and modern, lively and quiet. It is a must see on any trip to France’s beautiful Loire Valley.

Amboise Events:

Amboise Market Fri and Sun only Place du Marchée	This twice-weekly market takes place in the Place du Marchée beside the Loire river. Fresh local produce such as wine, cheese, meat, fruit, vegeetables and more are on sale, along with clothes and pottery.
At the Court of King François 23 Jun - 1 Sep 2007; Wed and Sat only (annual) Château Royal d'Amboise	Amboise's historic castle plays host to the summer-long celebration of the court of François I in all its glory. Local people gather to bring to life the masquerades and performances in period dress.
National Brass Band Competition 8 - 10 Jun 2007 (annual) Theater Beaumarchais	Every year Amboise hosts the National Brass Band Competition. More than 30 ensembles compete in an all-day Battle Royale at the Théâtre Beaumarchais.

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