Hotel Chaptal in Amboise
The castles
of the Loire
The Royal Castle of Amboise, one of the most famous castles of the Loire Valley, is only 5 minutes walk from our hotel. To visit it is to re-read the history of France from a particular angle. Amboise was indeed a kind of capital... Medieval fortress then refined royal residence, furniture and gardens also tell of a French art of living. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1840, the Royal Château of Amboise is one of the emblematic sites of the Loire Valley. Set on a rocky spur, its landscaped gardens open onto an exceptional panorama of landscapes listed as World Heritage Sites.
Le Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, is an opportunity to discover the genius of the Master who stayed there from 1516 to 1519 at the invitation of Francis I. Delicate in its construction (pink brick and tufa) and harmonious in its proportions, the Château du Clos Lucé, which has rooms that enable visitors to understand the many skills of Leonardo da Vinci, is also rich in 800 years of history... The Leonardo Garden is a wonderful educational space for young and old alike to approach his work from an attractive and fun angle. Le Clos Lucé is 10 minutes' walk from the Chaptal hotel.
The Domaine Royal de Château Gaillard, DOM PACELLO's "Forgotten Royal Paradise", is a Renaissance landmark in the heart of Amboise, 15 minutes' walk from the hotel. It is a must-see, after 5 years of meticulous restoration. This estate was home to the first Renaissance gardens in France, which the 7 Sentiers du Paradis invite you to discover in an unusual or romantic way. Enjoy the architectural refinements, the science of gardening...
The Château de Chenonceau, also known as the Château des Dames, is a must-see on the Loire Valley Châteaux circuit. This jewel of French historical monuments, only 20 minutes from the hotel, welcomes you every day, all year round. The visit of the different rooms, chambers and lounges, presents you its singular history, since it was loved, administered and protected by women like Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. In addition to the museum collections, the castle welcomes its visitors as "guests for a day" with sublime bouquets of fresh flowers.
The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, located between Blois and Amboise (20 minutes from the hotel), is a marvellous place to visit, both inside and in its superb park. It was built around the year 1000 to guard the border between the counties of Blois and Anjou. It hosts the annual International Garden Festival.
