Europe, France, Travel

15 Unmissable Things to Do in Amboise, Loire Valley

June 11, 2025

Why I Fell for Amboise! 15 Amazing Things to Do

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If you’re planning a trip through the Loire Valley, don’t skip Amboise. On our visit, I completely fell for this small French town! It’s charming, historic, and incredibly walkable.

What I loved most? The way Amboise blends royal history with relaxed village vibes. It’s got castles, cozy cafés, markets, and even Leonardo da Vinci’s final resting place. Soo cool, right?

Whether you’re staying overnight (like we did and recommend) or visiting as a day trip from Paris, here’s your complete guide to what to do in Amboise, plus where to stay and travel tips!

⏰ Short on time?

👉 Top activities to do in Amboise

– Château Royal d’Amboise
– Hot Air Balloon Ride
– Wine Tasting at Caves

👉 Great hotels in Amboise

($) Hotel Chaptal
($$) Château de Arpentis
($$$) Le Manoir Les Minimes

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Follow in Leonardo’s Footsteps

There’s a short walking route from the château to Clos Lucé with signs that trace Leonardo’s final years in Amboise. It’s quiet, leafy, and gives you context on his life here.

Visit Château Royal d'Amboise

This is the iconic royal château perched above the Loire River and you can’t miss it. The architecture is stunning, with both Gothic and Renaissance features, and the views from the ramparts are unreal. Don’t forget to visit the Chapel of Saint Hubert, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried.

I’d recommend booking your ticket in advance here to avoid waiting during busy months.

Discover Clos Lucé

This was my favourite stop in Amboise. Just a 10 minute walk from the château, Clos Lucé was Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence. Inside, you’ll find interactive models of his inventions, detailed exhibitions, and gorgeous gardens that bring his genius to life.

Explore Château Gaillard

This lesser-known château is just a short walk from town and feels like a hidden gem. It has a citrus greenhouse, terraced Renaissance gardens, and a peaceful vibe. Great for those who want a quieter alternative to the Royal Château.

Wine Tasting at Caves Ambacia

Head to Caves Ambacia for a casual and informative tasting session in a historic cellar. We sampled a variety of Loire Valley whites and reds and learned a ton about local winemaking.

👉 You can book a tasting session with food pairing here if you want the full experience.

Parc des Mini-Châteaux

If you’re travelling with kids (or just love anything miniature), this quirky park has tiny replicas of 40+ Loire Valley castles. It’s a fun, lighthearted stop just outside of town.

Église Saint-Florentin

A quiet, historical church in the centre of town, perfect for a quick visit between shopping or lunch. You’ll pass it if you’re heading up to the château.

Picnic by the Loire River

There’s a lovely green space just by the water near the château walls. We grabbed cheese, baguette, and wine from the local market and had a picnic with a river view. Bliss.

Wander the Old Town Streets

Start at Place Michel Debré and get lost in the cobbled lanes lined with half-timbered houses. We stumbled upon charming boutiques, tucked-away bakeries, and open-air cafés with the best people-watching. If you spot the Clock Tower, you’re in the heart of it!

Visit the Musée de l’Hôtel de Ville

Located in a 16th-century mansion, this small museum walks you through Amboise’s local history and culture. A quick, interesting stop right in the centre of town.

Château de Chanteloup

Just a few kilometres away, this partially ruined château has a unique Chinese-style pagoda you can climb for a view over the forest. It’s a peaceful spot and great for something different from the usual castle tour.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

This is on my list for next time. We saw balloons floating at sunrise and it looked magical! You’ll get panoramic views over the châteaux and vineyards, and flights typically last about an hour.

👉 Book your flight here. Sunrise rides are the most popular.

Browse the Amboise Market

Held Friday and Sunday mornings, this market is huge and full of local flavour, literally! You’ll find cheese, strawberries, rotisserie chicken, and even handmade baskets. Get there early for the freshest produce.

Day Trip to Château de Langeais

About a 35 minute drive from Amboise, this medieval castle is a beauty, with wooden drawbridges, a moat, and fully furnished rooms. Great if you want to explore more of the Loire Valley châteaux without the crowds.

Sample Local Cuisine

Try dishes like pike-perch in beurre blanc, rillettes, or Tarte Tatin, and pair them with local wine. We had an amazing meal at a small restaurant near the château. Ask for the daily menu (menu du jour) for the best value.

Where to Stay in Amboise

Here are three great hotel picks based on location, charm, and experience:

👉 ($) Hotel Chaptal – Cozy, budget-friendly, and just steps from the Old Town.
👉 ($$) Château de Arpentis – Where we stayed! Beautiful grounds and peaceful setting.
👉 ($$$) Le Manoir Les Minimes – Upscale option overlooking the Loire with elegant rooms.