Today’s focus is on the Chateau D’Amboise, located above the Loire River. I got this photo from depositphotos.com because I wasn’t able to get a shot of the castle from the opposite side of the river. This gives you an idea of how beautiful and imposing it is.
Amboise medieval chateau and bridge on Loire river. France, Europe. Unesco site. ©StevanZZ
We arrived in Amboise at lunch time, so Rebecca and I made a beeline for the Anne de Bretagne Creperie.
As we’d hoped, they offered buckwheat crepes, known as galettes. (Buckwheat flour is gluten free.) We found a special where you got a savory crepe, a cup of dry or sweet (but not hard) cider and a dessert crepe. It was way too much food as you can see by the size of the dessert galette. I chose the honey almond while Rebecca opted for the chocolate galette. Both were good, but hers was better. What can I say? Chocolate. We happily shared our dessert bounty with the travelers at the next table.
Thus fortified, we were ready for our tour of the Royal Chateau of Amboise, which required us to climb to the top of the hill behind the restaurant where the chateau is located.
Chateau d’Amboise
Our first stop was at the Chapel of Saint Hubert where Leonardo da Vinci is ostensibly buried.
In the 15th c. Chateau D’Amboise was acquired by the French royal family who renovated it. We saw rooms representing many different eras from the Medieval period to the 19th century.
Among its claims to fame is the presence of Mary Queen of Scots, who was fostered here, and Leonardo da Vinci. The Italian was enticed to come to France by King Francis I who was raised at Amboise. Da Vinci lived in the nearby villa Clos Lucé, which, alas, was not on our tour. We did view a monument to Leonardo da Vinci on the grounds of Chateau D’Amboise, as well as his burial place in the Chapel of Saint Hubert.
Memorial to Leonardo Da Vince, Chateau D’Amboise
I’ll end with views of Amboise and the River Loire as seen from the chateau.
Next week, Chateau Chenonceau, located on the River Cher.
Linda