Amboise History Lesson

by Alex Bennet

Ancient Origins: Settled by Celtic tribes; key Roman crossroads near the Loire River. Located in the Centre-Val-de-Loire région.

Medieval Stronghold: Amboise developed around a fortified castle in the 10th century.

Renaissance Peak:

Royal residence under Charles VIII and Louis XII.

Leonardo da Vinci lived in Amboise (1516–1519) and was buried at Château d'Amboise.

Amboise Conspiracy (1560): Failed Protestant coup against the Catholic monarchy during the French Wars of Religion; conspirators executed.

Decline: Lost importance after the Renaissance; Château d'Amboise partially destroyed post-French Revolution.

Modern Tourism: Restored landmarks, including Château d'Amboise and Clos Lucé, make it a key destination in the Loire Valley.