Best of Amboise

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Amboise

In the heart of the Loire Valley, elegant Amboise makes an ideal base for visiting some of France’s most impressive châteaux. Perched along the southern bank of the famous river, Amboise puts you within walking distance of several grand castles including the flamboyant Château Royal d’Amboise, a favorite retreat of French kings. Castles aside, Amboise has plenty of surprises, such as Le Clos Lucé, a well-preserved 15th-century mansion where Leonardo da Vinci spent the final years of his life. You’ll eat well in Amboise. Among other things, the city hosts one of France’s best food markets.

A guided tour will take you to some of the most atmospheric châteaux in the Loire Valley. With over 100 castles to choose from, planning an itinerary is often the hardest part. The fertile river valley also produces excellent wines, which you can experience on tasting and vineyard tours in renowned regions like Vouvray and Cheverny. You can also visit wineries on a self-guided bicycling tour between Amboise and Tours, or get out on the water on a paddling trip along the idyllic Cher River.

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Amboise Essentials

Top Active Experiences in France

France is an active traveler's dream, with sandy beaches in the north, the towering Alps in the southeast, several river valleys across its heartland, and a rocky southern coastline dotted with inlets, caves, and coves. You can easily spend your time cycling through vineyards and from one chateau to another, riding horses in the surf, kayaking the famous Calanques, and hiking in the mountains. Or, if you're more of a city person, add a bike tour or vineyard stroll to your exploration of hubs like Paris.

Top Cultural Experiences in France

Many travelers choose France specifically for its unique and diverse culture. Explore Paris for its food, literature, and cabaret, visit Normandy for its art (including Claude Monet's gardens), and escape to the Loire Valley for chateaus, palaces, castles, and more. When ready, head to the south and peruse the unique cuisine and culture of the French Riviera and Provence, plus romantic hilltop villages and medieval riverside hamlets.

Best Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Known for its wine and imposing chateaus, France's Loire Valley gives you those quintessential French vibes and experiences, with rolling hills dotted with fairytale-like castles and endless vineyards stretching across the region. Visit Leonardo da Vinci's mansion, sip on organic wine, cycle between chateaus, take a hot air balloon ride above the landscape, and discover humble villages, all within one compact area.

Amboise Itineraries

Snap a fun photo with views of the Eiffel Tower from the Seine

Family Fun in Paris & the Loire Valley -7 Days

This fun itinerary will take you through many of the most iconic highlights of French culture, from the beauty of Paris to the stately elegance of the Loire Valley châteaux. Sample some of the country's finest produce and cuisine along the way. If your family loves history, culture, and fine foods—with a bit of plain old fun at Disneyland thrown into the mix—then this is the trip for you.

Sunset on Chambord castle in Loire Valley

Highlights of France in Paris, Bordeaux & the Loire Valley - 9 Days

Experience three of the major regions of France with this trip through Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, and Paris. Start off shopping in the morning markets and sipping wine in historic vineyards, continue to tours of Renaissance-era castles and classic châteaux, and end your trip amid the city streets and cultural institutions of the City of Lights.

The majestic Loire Valley château of Chenonceau

Paris & the Loire Valley - 8 Days

City and countryside combine on this relaxed 8-day journey from Paris to the Loire Valley. Starting in the French capital, you'll take a glittering dinner cruise down the Seine and sample local cheeses in Le Marais before catching a train east into the heart of the Loire Valley. Explore the medieval city of Tours, then settle into the riverside town of Amboise—the perfect base as you tour the grand châteaus and world-class wineries of this spectacular French region.

The elegant Cheverny Castle in the Loire Valley

Paris, Bordeaux & the Loire Valley - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary is ideal for those seeking the splendor of French wine, history, and gastronomy. Traveling by train, you'll start in Bordeaux for architecture—both old and new—and tastings at some of the best vineyards in the world. Next is the Loire Valley for a range of gorgeous castles surrounded by bucolic landscapes. Finish the adventure in Paris and experience top sites with the help of a local expert.

Paris, Bordeaux & the Loire Valley - 7 Days

Traveling by train, this weeklong French adventure covers three destinations with a focus on history, architecture, food, and wine. Start in Bordeaux to experience the city's UNESCO-listed streets and world-renowned vineyards. Then head to Amboise for stunning castles and gardens surrounded by bucolic landscapes. Finish with two nights in Paris and let local experts show you the quintessential attractions.

Local Flavors of France: Paris & Loire Valley - 8 Days

Ignite your senses — and taste buds — with this delicious tour of Paris and the picturesque Loire Valley, home to countless castles and gastronomic delights. Discover iconic Parisian highlights and delve into local flavor with wine tasting, a cooking class, and more. After, board a train through the magnificent French countryside to explore the Loire Valley's castles and vineyards, and sail through the sky on an unforgettable hot-air balloon ride.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 10 Days

There are enough French cheeses that you could eat a different one every day for a year. This itinerary only takes you as far as 10 days, so you'll have to eat a little faster than that. Start by consulting a cheesemaker in Le Marais, then ascend the Eiffel Tower to see Paris from the sky. You'll then head to the castles of the Loire Valley, followed by three nights in Bordeaux to sample vintages dating back centuries.

The Loire Valley's Châteaus de Chenonceau

Paris, the Loire Valley & Bordeaux - 7 Days

Fairytale French landscapes beckon on this romantic, week-long itinerary. Start in Paris with a twilight dinner cruise down the Seine, then head to the storied Loire Valley. Here in the heart of France, you'll explore postcard-perfect medieval villages, lush vineyards, and stately châteaus. Continue south to elegant Bordeaux to sample the rich local gastronomy and visit the world-famous vineyards of the Haute-Gironde.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 14 Days

If you dream of spending two luxurious weeks exploring history and cuisine in western France, this itinerary is for you. Visit the Louvre and Versailles and learn to bake bread the authentic French way. Continue to Normandy and Brittany on the coast to explore medieval abbeys and sample fresh-caught seafood. Wrap things up in the Loire Valley, where resplendent Châteaus and endless vineyards await.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 11 Days

From the Opéra Garnier in Paris to the quiet countryside of the Loire Valley, this luxurious 11-day itinerary covers the highlights—and much more. Walk through the gilded halls of Versailles, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast, and visit Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. End the trip with wine tasting in the Loire Valley and see where Da Vinci spent his final years.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 11 Days

France is the world's second-largest exporter of wine, but you can sample the bottles they keep for themselves on this 11-day itinerary. Start off in Paris, strolling the Palais Royal and covered markets, before you travel to the Loire Valley to relax under the vines where da Vinci spent the last years of his life. Then finish your trip in Bordeaux to compare the wines of the left and right river banks, just to make sure you've tried them all.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 15 Days

Spend fifteen days exploring Paris and the western regions on this luxurious itinerary. Start in the City of Lights, where you'll stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower and eat your weight in croissants. Head to the coast for apple cider tours, fresh seafood, and the famed Normandy beaches. End the trip in the Loire Valley to go wine tasting and see where Da Vinci spent his last years.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 15 Days

Learn how to say important phrases like, "no more, thank you, I'm stuffed," on this 15-day itinerary through the epicurean delights of western France. Whether you're sampling cheese and pastries in Paris, the mushrooms and wines of the Loire Valley, cannelé pastries and even more wine in Bordeaux, or oysters in Arcachon, there's a new gastronomical adventure around every corner.

Pont des Arts with Palais Royal and Musee D'orsay

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 12 Days

This 12-day luxury itinerary through three of France's regions is a feast for both your eyes and your stomach. From the museums and markets of Paris to the castles and vineyards of the Loire Valley there's always a new sensory delight to be found. End in your tip in Bordeaux, where historic villages, unparalleled hospitality, and renowned cuisine and wines await your exploration.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 12 Days

Twelve days enjoying Parisian architecture, Normandy seafood, and Loire Valley wine—what could be sweeter? See the Eiffel Tower and learn to bake authentic French baguettes in the capital, then head to the coast for medieval ruins, fresh mussels, and World War II history. Wrap the trip up in the Loire Valley, where stately chateaus line the quiet country lanes and vineyards stretch out of sight.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 16 Days

Spend 16 splendid days savoring the western regions of France. Meet with a master cheesemaker in Le Marais, bake amidst Les Batignolles, and recline in the vineyards of the Loire Valley. You'll traverse the "Route des Chateaux” in the Médoc, then cruise down the Gironde estuary to sample all the riversides of the Bordeaux region before a relaxing end to your trip in the seaside resort town of Arcachon.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 16 Days

From the Paris Opera to the beaches of Brittany, explore Western France in luxury on this 16-day itinerary. Learn to bake bread the French way and stroll through Versaille's resplendent halls, then head to the coast to explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast. Enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie in Saint-Malo, then end the trip in the Loire valley, where fairytale castles and vineyards abound.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, & Loire Valley - 9 Days

From the gilded halls of Versailles to the resplendent Châteaus of the Loire Valley, explore Western France in all its luxury on this 9-day getaway. Stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast, and visit Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. End the trip with a tour of the resplendent Châteaus de Chambord and Chenonceau.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 9 Days

A French lunch break can be up to two hours long, but you get nine full days to sample the country's food and wine on this itinerary. Visit the artsy alleys and markets of Le Marais and Montmartre, then travel to the Loire Valley and Bordeaux to tour the vineyards that made French wine famous.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 13 Days

See spots you've only heard referenced by your favorite sommeliers on this 13-day journey. Whether you're tasting wine in a Parisian covered passageway, lined with mosaic-tiled floors and glass ceilings, amidst the vines of centuries-old estates along sedate rivers, or overlooking villas on the Atlantic coast, you'll soon realize that the best pairing for any glass of wine is a good view.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 13 Days

Spend thirteen lucky days luxuriating in some of France's finest regions, from Paris to the Loire Valley. Kick things off in the City of Lights, where you'll explore history and take a day trip to Versailles. From there, head to Normandy on the coast, where small fishing villages and D-Day sites dot the landscape. End in the Loire Valley, where you'll relax in peaceful vineyards and tour elegant chateaus.

Spend a day castle-hopping in the Loire Valley

France Family Adventure - 14 Days

This exciting, yet easy-going itinerary is the perfect introduction to France—especially for groups and families (ages 10 and up). Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend quality time in Paris, the Loire Valley, Provence, and the French Riviera with a fun mix of educational tours led by local guides and free time to explore on your own.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 14 Days

Food isn't the only indulgence western France has to offer on this two-week itinerary. Lounge in the gardens of the Palais Royal, once the personal residence for Cardinal Richelieu; see through the eyes of artists like Degas and da Vinci in Montmartre and Amboise, and stroll through cobblestone village streets and seaside boardwalks as you sample the best the area has to offer.

France Family Vacation: Paris, Loire Valley, Provence & the French Riviera - 14 Days

This 14-day family tour of France starts in Paris, where you'll walk the city's historic streets, enjoy a tasting of delectable pastries and chocolates, and visit the delightful Monmarte neighborhood. Then, it's off to Amboise for castles, canoeing, and a visit to a working cheese farm! Explore the hidden coves of Calanques National Park, rent a bike at Château de Berne, and walk the promenade in Nice. End with a visit to the vibrant city of Marseille, with its open-air markets and historical sights.

Famous medieval castle Sully sur Loire at sunset

Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley - 10 Days

This epic 10-day French adventure kicks off in Paris for three days of culture and cuisine in the 'City of Lights'. Then, drive yourself to the Normandy coast to visit Mont Saint Michel and other historical sites—spanning 900 years—between Bayeux and Omaha Beach. Next is the Loire Valley where you'll explore charming towns and gorgeous castles before returning to Paris (by train) for one more night on the town.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 10 Days

Dive into French culture and settle into a quieter pace of life on this 10-day luxury trip to Western France. Start in Paris, where you'll learn history in the l’Ile de la Cité and take a day trip to the gilded halls of Versailles. Head west to tour D-Day sites in Normandy and explore Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. Round out the trip with two days in the Loire Valley, famous for castles and wine alike.

Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 15 Days

Fifteen days is enough time to dive deep into several of France's most popular regions (and understand why they're a favorite!) Start in Paris, where mornings of fresh-baked pastries and hot espressos meld seamlessly into evenings of red wine and charcuteries. See the Chateau Chambord, immerse yourself in Avignon's history, and end your trip on a sunny note—along the warm beaches of the French Riviera.

Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 16 Days

Get in touch with your romantic side on this sweet sixteen-day honeymoon itinerary in France. Check out the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks in Paris, see storybook villages and chateaus in the Loire Valley and explore Roman ruins in Avignon. Don't forget to make time for farmer's markets, pastries, and wine-tasting: after all, what is France without food?

France Scenic Self-Drive Getaway: Castles, Forts & Vineyards - 21 Days

Discover all the things that fairy tales are made of on this comprehensive, three-week tour of France. Start in Normandy, where you'll explore the rugged coastline and massive fortresses. Head to the Loire Valley for lavish châteaux, gardens, and vineyards, then turn south into the Dordogne and discover its unusual natural scenery. Continue to Lyon and immerse yourself in its "foodie" culture before embarking on a wine-tasting extravaganza between Châteauneuf and Burgundy.

Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 17 Days

This seventeen-day honeymoon itinerary has something for every couple (or non-couples!) Stop by Aix en Provence for coffee and people watching on the plaza, experience the magic of Paris at night, and wonder at the splendor of the Versailles estate. Explore the storybook towns of the Loire Valley and go wine tasting in the Beaujolais wine region before spending time in Cannes and Monaco.

Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 18 Days

With eighteen full days in the country, you'll get to experience the full variety of French cultures on this honeymoon trip. Learn about Parisian history in the heart of the city, search through the Louvre for hidden treasures, and explore the storybook towns of the Loire Valley. Stroll through historic Lyon, France’s third-most populous city, before stopping by Aix en Provence for coffee and people watching on the plaza.

Spend two leisurely days driving around the Brittany region

Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley - 14 Days

This epic trip loops around three beloved regions in France with a nice mix of free time and guided tours. Start in Normandy to visit historical sites—spanning 900 years—between Bayeux and Omaha Beach. Next is Brittany where you'll have free time (and a car) to explore the wild, rugged coastline at your own pace. Then experience UNESCO-listed villages and castles in the Loire Valley before finishing with two days in Paris.

Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 19 Days

Leave your worries behind on this romantic 19-day honeymoon getaway to France. Experience the magic of Paris at night, bargain with vendors for regional specialties at farmer’s markets, and tour the fairytale Châteaus de Chambord & Chenonceau. Explore Roman ruins in Avignon and see the hilltop villages of the Luberon, before ending the trip in Cannes and Monaco.

Honeymoon Romance in France: Paris, Amboise, Lyon, Avignon, & the French Riviera - 20 Days

With twenty full days to experience everything France has to offer, you're bound to come away with a bit more romance in your heart. On this honeymoon itinerary, you'll do everything from exploring Paris through pastries to bargaining with vendors for regional specialties at farmer’s markets. Stroll through historic Lyon, France’s third-most populous city, visit the hilltop villages of the Luberon, and stop by Aix en Provence for coffee and people watching on the plaza.

Other popular travel destinations in France
Paris · Provence · French Riviera · Nice · Loire Valley · Normandy · Aix-en-Provence · Rhône Valley · Lyon · Bordeaux · French Alps · Bayeux · Brittany · Saint-Malo · Marseille · Avignon · Annecy · Cannes · Tours · Verdon Gorge · Dijon · Burgundy · Dordogne · Sarlat · Champagne · Reims · Saint Rémy de Provence · Alsace · Strasbourg · Colmar · Mont Saint Michel · Mont Blanc Region · Honfleur · Chamonix · Basque Country · Corsica · Saint-Louis

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