The Royal Chateau d'Amboise was the heart of royal power during the renaissance. Built high above the town of Amboise, the chateau and gardens offer panoramic views of the Loire Valley.
The Chateau that we see today is all that remains of the original buildings as many were destroyed during the French Revolution . It has been restored and now contains a important collection of renaissance furniture and furnishings
The gardens are compact, limited in size by the size of the rock platform on which they have been created. They are of note as these were first to be laid out in what is now considered to be 'the Formal French Style.'
The Naples Terrace is bordered with Limes, from here there are wonderful views of the Loire. This open garden design was seen as very innovative in the late 15th century previously the medieval garden had been closed.
On the slopes at the end of garden the french show their love of topiary with hundreds of perfectly pruned buxus globes.
On the main lawn is a wonderful Lebanese cedar that offers welcome shade on a hot summers day.
The Jardin d'Orient and Jardin du Midi have a Mediterranean feel with plantings of rosemary, jasmine, laurel and cyprus In the Jardin d'Orient is a sculpture by artist-sculpture Rachid Koraichi, it honours the companions of Abul al-Kader who died at Amboise.
The gardens do not have many borders but the borders are beautifully planted with flowers in similar colour schemes.
To the edge of the main lawn is a bust of Leonardo da Vinci surrounded by a 2m high semi-circular buxus hedge. This marks the spot where, at his request, he was originally buried. He remains were moved in 1871 to the St Hubert Chapel.
Chateau Royal d'Amboise is a Chateau/Garden experience both enhance the other and give a wonderful feel of what it would have been like during the renaissance.
©GardensOnline
Author: Bob Saunders.
Restaurant There is no catering within the grounds. The main street of Amboise is full of cafes and restaurants.
Shop The Orangerie Shop is located close to the main exit.
Disabled Access The ground floor and first floor of the chateau are accessible by wheelchair. A video guide is available from the ticket office this covers inaccessible areas on the second floor. Most paths accessible however some have a slope of 10% so assistance may be needed.
By Car From Paris it is a 2 hour drive on the A10. From Tours it is a 20minute drive along the N152 or D751. From Blois it is a 30min drive on N152.
By Train From Paris Austerlitz it is possible to take a direct train - the trip will take 2hours. Amboise Railway Station is 2km from the centre.