Just ninety minutes from Paris on the TGV, Amboise is a popular pick for a long weekend in the glorious Loire Valley. Home to the famous Château d'Amboise, the town also hosts a superb weekend market, and is surrounded by beautiful châteaux and vineyards. Catering to a trendy Parisian crowd, as well as couples and families from further afield, accommodation options are wide-ranging: you can expect everything from townhouse B&Bs to luxurious châteaux-turned-hotels. Many of the best places to stay in Amboise are within a short distance of the town centre, making on-foot explorations a breeze, but our picks also include lovely rural hideaways for those dreaming of a tranquil French escape.
A charming market town, Amboise sits between the Château d'Amboise and the Loire River. Expect delightful eateries, buzzing farmers’ and flea markets at weekends, and lots of quirky boutiques to peruse as you stroll along meandering streets. The town has an appealingly trendy feel, and an especially lively vibe during the weekends, when it’s worth booking your table for dinner (and your accommodation) in advance.
The Château d'Amboise is one of the Loire's best-known. Originally built to serve as a fortress, the château was used as a weekend retreat, until it became the 15th-century home, of King Charles VIII. Reputedly boasting France’s first formal gardens, the imposing Italianate residence is also the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. Le Clos Lucé, the nearby manor where da Vinci lived, is also open for fascinating tours.
Don’t miss vineyard tours and tastings, or catching a glimpse of the whimsical Pagode de Chanteloup and the Parc Mini-Châteaux, an amusing collection of scale models of the Loire’s famed historic buildings. Outdoorsy travellers will find ample opportunities to try cycling, horse riding and hiking. The ultimate adventure is a striking hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley!
Close to Tours and within easy reach of the Loire Valley’s many treasures, the best places to stay in Amboise are the perfect base for discovering the region.