This post is part of our Europe travel series. If you missed the beginning, you could catch up here. In the previous post, I shared our memories of visiting Château de Chambord—you can read that here.
Traveling from Chateau de Chambord, it took about an hour to reach Chateau Royal d'Amboise. We parked in the city lot and strolled along quaint streets lined with charming restaurants before arriving at the palace. Perched gracefully on a hill, Château d’Amboise whispers tales of the Middle Ages through its stone walls.
Originally built as a fortified castle to protect the Loire region, it became a favored royal residence by the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, hosting kings such as Charles VIII of France and Francis I of France. They transformed it with elegant Renaissance halls, chapels, and gardens, turning it into a jewel of Renaissance elegance. The palace is also famed as the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci
We wandered through the palace halls, exploring the intimate spaces where kings once walked and artists once dreamed. Though not as grand as Chambord, this château has its own unique charm that captures the imagination.
One thing we truly admired was the view from the terraces. Perched atop the hill, the chateau offered a breathtaking panorama of the town below and the winding Loire River. A gentle evening breeze added to the magic, and with the perfect weather, it felt like the ideal moment to soak it all in.
garden layout is simple yet elegant, with neatly trimmed hedges, flower beds, and quiet corners perfect for a pause. Every step feels like a moment frozen in time, where you can imagine kings and queens—or even Leonardo da Vinci, enjoying the same views centuries ago.
One of the most fascinating spots on the château grounds is the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where Leonardo da Vinci was originally laid to rest. This Gothic chapel is a quiet, reverent space tucked into the palace grounds, with delicate stone carvings and an air of timelessness. Walking inside, you can almost feel the presence of the great artist, whose genius touched both art and science.
Around 5 p.m., we stepped out of the chateau feeling completely mesmerized. As the day drifted toward evening, we lingered at a nearby cafe, sipping coffee and letting the gentle Loire breeze carry our thoughts.
Around 6 p.m., we set off toward Le Clos Luce, the palace where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. The streets leading there were narrow but full of charm, winding gently uphill. One street, Victor Hugo, caught our eye with paintings hanging along the walls, adding a splash of art to every step. The evening was calm, with few tourists in sight and locals scattered here and there, making the experience feel intimate and authentic. By the time we reached the palace, it was unfortunately closing, so we couldn’t go inside—but the walk itself became a memory we’ll always treasure.
That day we had visited two chateaux, each so different in its own way. As the evening settled in, we were excited to head to our accommodation—which, fittingly, was another chateau. It was still bright outside, as summer evenings linger until late. By the time we arrived around 9, the chateau lights were already glowing warmly, welcoming us after a long and beautiful day. We checked in, ready to unwind and take in yet another piece of Loire Valley charm.
The next day, we visited two more chateaux in the Loire Valley. You can read about those memories and experiences
here.
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