Your townhouse is a pleasant walk or a short taxi ride across the Amboise Bridge, spanning the Loire River, from the train station. After entering the Cardinal Red door, you are welcomed into the elegant foyer and salon with crystal chandelier and classic french furnishings. The cheery & light kitchen/dinning room is next with it’s hanging copper pots, marble fireplace, terracotta tiled floors, long farmhouse table that seats 10 and Henri IV buffet. Head up stairs to the second and third floors to the 4 bedrooms, TV room and 2 full bathrooms and find hardwood floors, antique furnishing, chandeliers, exposed beams and beautiful views of Old Town Amboise and the Royal Palace.
We have scoured the antique markets of the area to comfortably furnish the townhouse with style. Explore the fortressed walls of Amboise, the Royal Chateau and the magnificent home where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. Clos Luce, now a museum and a tribute to his genius, is within walking distance of the apartment. When you’re ready to venture a little further out, just 20 minutes away by car or a delightful bike ride is Chenonceau, the darling of the Loire Valley Chateaux. Nearby Chambord with its many turrets or Vilandry, with its amazingly beautiful ornamental gardens of colorful vegetables should be next on your agenda as they shouldn't be missed. When you’ve had your fill of sumptuous royal castles, you might explore one of the many spring and summer 'Vide Greniers,' (empty the attic) town-wide flea markets or some of the many antique stores to find that perfect treasure.
Visit the local 'caves' and sample the sparkling white wines of Vouvray and Montlouis, the full-bodied reds of Chinon and Bourgueil, specific to this region, or savor your afternoon pastry and chocolate at Madame Bigot's Tea Salon, an Amboise tradition for more than 150 years, which is right outside your door.
If you’re the outdoor type, one of the longest and most picturesque bike trails in Europe as well as section of the Grande Randonnee (France’s answer to the John Muir Trail) pass through Amboise, for your cycling and hiking enjoyment. Quality cruising bicycles can be rented from several locations 3 minutes on foot from the townhouse.
Golf:
To wrap up your day, you can dine in any of the wonderful restaurants, in all price ranges, right outside your door or enjoy a home-cooked meal with fresh produce, cheese and sausages for which the area is famous, from the twice-weekly farmer’s market, one of the most popular open-air markets in the area. Don’t forget a crusty fresh-baked baguette from one of the local boulangeries! With a bottle of wine from one of the local wineries, sit back, relax and enjoy!
Other Activities:
shopping, kayaking, spas, hot air ballooning, wine tasting, personal chef available, French cooking classes
