Amboise

The town of Amboise is located along the Loire River in central France. Many visitors enjoy this picturesque town and use it as a base for exploring the variety of castles that can be found in the area between Tours and Blois. During its peak in the timeframe around 1500, the Chateau...

The town of Amboise is located along the Loire River in central France. Many visitors enjoy this picturesque town and use it as a base for exploring the variety of castles that can be found in the area between Tours and Blois. During its peak in the timeframe around 1500, the Chateau housed a variety of royals who oversaw renovations and additions to the building. Charles VIII and Francois I each lived there, as did Mary Stewart, Queen of Scots for much of her early life. Students enrolled in French school in Amboise might enjoy visiting Le Clos-Luce, once home to Leonardo da Vinci. He lived in Amboise towards the end of his life and his former home, an interesting brick mansion, has now been turned into a museum. Visitors can browse through the home viewing models of his various inventions including a suspension bridge and a paddle wheel boat. The city’s tiny Gothic chapel contains the tomb of da Vinci. Students taking French courses in Amboise will find that the main street area is the perfect pedestrian area where visitors can stroll through shops, dine at one of many cafes, or enjoy a drink from one of the bars. The riverside roads are flat and perfect for cycling. Some visitors prefer to rent canoes or kayaks and venture out on the river for some exercise. There are several attractions located fairly close to Amboise including an aquarium and a park featuring scale models of many French castles. With the charming city of Amboise as a starting point, there is much to see and do in this area.