Situated in the Centre Val de Loire region in the town of Amboise, the medieval fortress of Amboise was replaced by a royal residence during the reigns of Kings Charles VIII and François I (late 15th - early 16th century). A number of men and women of letters from Europe as well as artists stayed at the Court of Amboise at the sovereigns’ invitation, including Leonardo da Vinci, who was buried in the château’s chapel.

Mysterious underground passageways
Beyond the splendors of the Royal House, it is today possible, with prior booking, to discover the underground passages and towers that gave access to the royal residence.

When at the foot of the ramparts, they will enter the Garçonnet Tour built in the 15th century by order of Louis XI and then go on to visit the Salle des Lys, once the refectory for the guards. From there, visitors will make their way along the rampart walk which will take them as far as the ditches of the old keep, past the rooms containing lapidary fragments. The visitors then enter the maze of underground passages taking them right to the Minimes cavalry tower.

Magical gardens
The summer season is also the right time to enjoy some unusual night strolls in the gardens.