Amboise is a very Italian Loire Valley city with a prestigious heritage. Visit the magnificent royal Renaissance château which offers unrivalled panoramic views of the Loire Valley from its imposing gothic balconies. Stop at the Leonardo da Vinci’s House of Le Clos Lucé, a residence surrounded by a lush park.
The Chanteloup Pagoda, a Chinese-inspired creation, is an ideal place to relax and enjoy traditional wooden toy games.
You can also stroll along the lanes and banks of the river and into flea markets, beautiful boutiques and tea houses all clustered in the historical centre of the city.
Blois, A Magical Royal City
Home to French kings and the Royal courts during the 16th Century, the Château at Blois is one of the finest vestiges of Renaissance era architecture in France. There are also alleyways and remains of numerous Renaissance residences, which are an invitation to explore Blois on foot.
Stroll through the renaissance-styled “garden of single blooms and royal flowers” and the “Bishop’s Gardens” with its splendid rose garden and views of the Loire.
There is also the Saint-Louis Cathedral, Saint-Vincent and Saint-Laumaur churches and Alluye Manor. One of Blois’ most unusual attractions is the “Magic House”, where mirrors, optical illusions and magical gadgets all pay tribute to the celebrated Blois magician.
