Ambiance in Amboise

This was the day of Châteaux!

After staying in a lovely bed and breakfast, my mother and I originally planned on visiting 4 different châteaux, but as we were reaching the end of our trip (and were rather exhausted), we decided to just visit three. The first on our list was just a 5 minute walk from our B&B in the center of Amboise: the Amboise Royal Château. It sits on high walls above the rest of the town, overlooking the historic buildings and winding Seine River (still flooding at this time). In the first photo below, you can actually see our B&B in the center of the picture - the tall white building with red shutters. So lovely!

The main street (shown above) is the absolute best place to come in the evening for a nice dinner, as it combines a rather local ambiance with the variety provided by high tourism. We had a lovely meal here the evening before, just at the right corner of the intersection, before heading to the gelateria for a little treat as we strolled along the Seine at sunset.

But one of the most exciting things about this area, and particularly this château, is its connection with Leonardo Da Vinci.

It wasn't until we had already been wandering around the courtyard of the château that we realized the significance of this little chapel set on the edge of the wall.

Any guess as to what it is?

This chapel is the eternal resting place of Leonardo Da Vinci.

The inside of this chapel is even more beautiful than the outside - something we didn't think possible, but was absolutely fitting for one of the most creative and brilliant minds in history. The stonework and arching beams overhead were both intricate and fluid, combining to instill a rather ethereal ambiance about the room. The bright stained glass reflected rainbows all around the intimate space and brought color and life to Da Vinci's final resting place - seen in the photo on the right, under the large medallion on the floor.

After soaking in the atmosphere of Da Vinci's Chapel, we turned our attention back to the chateau before us. The chateâu boasted some really beautiful rooms, views of the Seine, and lovely manicured grounds.

This dress was a find from Macy's (XOXO brand), and is super comfortable and flattering. Best part: it has pockets!! Worst part: I misplaced the tack that held the two-tone belt in place that morning...so I apologize for the floppy ends - haha! The shoes are H&M, the bag is from Francesca's, and the sunnies are Mango.

After spending the morning at the Amboise Royal Château, we walked the 15 minutes down the road to Château du Clos Lucé - the home of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Da Vinci's home was absolutely gorgeous. Lots of beautiful brick work, simple but elegant rooms (complete with live-in cat), and replicas of his work. It even had its own beautiful little chapel, with a starry turquoise ceiling. Moreover, the lower floors boasted many of Da Vinci's initial designs and concept work for brilliant machinery.

After touring the inside of his home, we enjoyed some gelato (on the first hot and sunny day of our trip) and took a stroll through his courtyard - overflowing with the blooming Mona Lisa roses.

After a leisurely break, we strolled through the side gardens and path back to our B&B. Along the way, we were taken aback by some really interesting and stunning art installations.

The last chateau we came across was, perhaps, the most spectacular. Although most of the interior was completely bare, the bones of the old château were absolutely spectacular. This was Château de Chambord.

The fabric used in the room above was some of the most beautiful I've ever seen! Usually I'm not big on busy patterns...but there was something so light and airy about this entire room, I couldn't help but swoon! The rest of the rooms were also quite beautiful and impressive - including the central double staircase in the center of the château. Amaaaazing!

While the inside of this château was definitely beautiful, I think the outside was the most spectacular, especially walking out along the ramparts.

Although this was the last château we had time to see that day, as far as architecture and grandeur, it definitely came in first. However, the next day we were on to Versailles...

#enoughsaid

♥M.

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