We spent the afternoon at the Chateau Royal d’Amboise. First I’ll give a little background on the chateau, followed by the photos we took both inside the castle and on the beautiful, manicured grounds.
The royal Chateau at Amboise was built on a spur above the widest stretch of the Loire river. A medieval fortress has overlooked the Loire from here since roman times. It was replaced by a royal residence during the reigns of King Charles VIII and Francoise I in the late 15th to early 16th centuries. Probably its most famous resident was Leonardo da Vinci who came here in retirement and died here in 1519. At his request da Vinci was buried within the royal chateau where his tomb can be found in Saint Hubert’s Chapel.
The chateau and grounds are immaculately groomed on the outside. Unlike some chateau’s gardens, the grounds are mostly green but there are exuberant flashes of color in the way of spring flowers placed strategically around the grounds. (just not in this photo).
Coming up the ramp towards the chateau, we ran across this beautiful wisteria. A small sign claims the wisteria is from 1840.
Saint-Hubert’s Chapel was once part of a larger building. The Chapel is a tiny place with no seating but it is where Leonardo Da Vinci asked to be buried.
Leonardo’s Da Vinci’s tomb.
This little photo op site was set up just outside of Saint-Hubert’s Chapel. Chuck and I weren’t really the only ones here today – I just got lucky with this photo.
This beautiful bed was in Henri II’s chamber in the mid-1500’s.
The council chamber was a gathering place for governors, officers and clerical dignitaries. We were surprised that there was an actual fire burning in the fireplace which amazingly warmed up the large, cold room.
This beautiful red-wallpapered room was the Orleans-Penthievre Study.
Next to the study, this bedroom was called the Orleans Chamber. Notice how the sleighbed is actually on 2 platforms.
Next to the Orleans Chamber is the music room.
The sentries’ walk was an open gallery where guards could observe boats on the river and the river crossing.
The castle is very photogenic from the outside
Small spring flower gardens on the castle grounds are very artistically designed.
More flowers from the flower gardens on the castle grounds.
During the past few years, the grounds have been replanted with green oak, boxwoods, Cyprus trees and muscat vines.
A great deal of pruning clearly takes place on the property, giving the grounds an incredible manicured look.
Many grapevines have been planted on the grounds in recent years.
The chateau, which sits high on a bluff, is completely surrounded by a wall. The view from the wall is amazing, including glimpses of those yellow patches that seem to be everywhere.
There are lots of pigeons in the area, including on the walls. This photo had the extra bonus of including our little B&B in the distance, just to the left of the bird.
Springtime in France 