The Loire Valley is one of France’s most beautiful places, known for its many castles that line the banks of the River Loire. The city of Amboise, located about 17 miles east of Tours, makes a convenient base to explore this fascinating region.

You can’t miss the city’s largest attraction, the 15th. century chateau which dominates the city from its high setting and provides a spectacular panorama over the village and surrounding countryside. Highlights of any visit include the gorgeous gardens, some of the first in France to be laid out in decorous style, as well as a number of rooms full of period furniture, weaponry and stunning tapestries.

During summer evenings, sound and light shows occur regularly at the chateau, complete with fireworks and costumed actors. One of the best known guests here was Leonardo da Vinci, who was buried in the chapel, although some historians maintain that his body was subsequently moved.

Amboise has a lot to offer tourists apart from its chateau and makes the most of its association with Leonardo da Vinci. The artist and scientist lived for a time in a Renaissance building called the Manoir du Clos-Luc and here, over 40 of his drawings and plans are displayed, along with his bedchamber and accurate models of a number of of his revolutionary designs for mechanical devices that were far ahead of their time, including cannons, helicopters and tanks.

Just outside the town is the Parc des Mini-Chateaux, which features miniature displays of all the surrounding chateaux, along with water wheels and windmills and a miniature train that takes you through the grounds. And looking slightly out of place in the heart of France is an 18th century Chinese pagoda in a nearby park, which towers over 120 feet above the surrounding parkland, and offers panoramic views over the region.

If you come to Amboise with small children, don’t miss the Parc de le Fou de L’Ane, a petting zoo with rides and a number of other attractions. Sporting events are also frequent. Rugby enthusiasts can participate in the yearly springtime Balle Ovale .

Cycling is another popular sport in the region of the Loire Valley. The Loire a Velo project is known worldwide for it’s more than 800km of cycling trails along the river Loire. This is a fantastic way to discover the Loire Valley. Cycle along roads and paths with little traffic and enjoy the beautiful landscape in the French Countryside.

But one of the joys of Amboise is simply strolling its picturesque streets and feeling the atmosphere of a French [provincial~local] market town. Market day is on Friday and Sunday and is one of the major markets in the Loire Region. Of course, Amboise is in the heart of one of France’s wine producing regions and it would be a shame to visit without sampling some of the delicious local wines, including the distinctive Amboise reds.