Fruitful Travels: Amboise, France

I figure now is a good time as ever…no, better, to take a little blog trip.

Like you, I’ve been thinking about getting away and all the vacations I’m in progress of rescheduling or will have to reschedule.

That’s why it’s the perfect time to get away and jet off to France for a bit!

ABOUT AMBOISE

If you know me and my husband, you know that we just love traveling to France, and we especially love The Loire Valley. The wine, the food, the sights, the castles! There’s something for everyone to love.

Chenonceaux is our little hidden gem of a town, and good news is that it’s a short drive or train ride away from lots of Loire valley little towns and castles. On our last trip to Chenonceaux, we decided to pop over to Amboise for a short day trip. It’s the quintessential cute French town with plenty to do, see and eat.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Patisserie Bigot

This bakery was just what I wanted when we first got into the city. We were greeted with a full menu of breakfast items and cases of pastries, cakes and macarons.

We got pastries and hot chocolate and espresso, and then we came back for a box of macarons to go.

L’Ecluse

This place looks just ideal for a lunch or dinner stop, but we found out that you need reservations, even for lunch. Amboise can be a busy little city during the day, so make sure you pick your food stops before you go.

Vins d’ Amboise

There’s a little spot underneath the castle where you can grab a glass of local wine at a great price. And you can even sit out in the sun and enjoy your sips while watching people move throughout the city.

Le Shaker

This was another spot we didn’t get a chance to go to with our short day in Amboise, but it looks like a great place for a drink and a bite to eat.

WHAT TO DO

Chateau Royal d’Amboise

This castle was a beautiful piece of history to explore. It will also give you a nice calf workout walking uphill, but you’ll be rewarded with a majestic view of the city and the Loire River.

There are plenty of rooms to see, a chapel and beautiful landscaping, too.

Chateau du Clos Luce

Clos Luce was where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. It’s set on a nice piece of land with paths to wander through and tours of the house, as well.

Chateau Gaillard

This castle is a little bit out of the way, but might be worth a trip or a tour. We didn’t get a chance to go here, but worth putting on your list!

Mini Castle Park

There’s even a Mini Castle Park on the edge of Amboise where you can see small replicas of castles.

Make sure you check out my other Fruitful Travel posts in France: