Friday, July 23, 2010

Amboise








Quiet Road to Chenonceau


We have an early start and catch the train to Amboise. We rent a bike for $14 Euro and buy Chateau Amboise and Chateau Du Clos Luce combination ticket for $20 Euro at the Tourist Information Bureau.
 
Train Station at Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau
The cycle to Chenonceau was quite hilly. 

Entramce into Chenonceau

The chateau is located on the river.  It takes slightly over 1 hour for the 13 km cycle. Rooms were furnished. There was a lot more people then we’ve seen at the other castles. Lunch was at Clemenceau - Cheese Hamburger and fries for $7.00 Euro plus Limonade for $3.20. After lunch we explored the gardens and tried out the little labyrinth maze. 


Labryinth at Chenoceau

We next cycle back to Amboise and visit the Chateau Du Clos Luce (Home of Leonard Da Vinci in 1516 during his final year).  Cycling back to Amboise is easier and faster. 
Chateau Du Clos Luce

Chateau Du Clos Luce

Pictures were not allowed inside. Visit Leonardo’s apartment and his study. It was quite large. There is also a chapel, kitchen and a Renaissance Great Hall where Leonardo entertained the King and other important people. The garden was quite tranquil.  There are many models of Leonardo's inventions in the garden.

Leonardo Da Vinci designed bridge in the garden.
We then cycled to Chateau Amboise. The chateau is up a hill and we access it by walking up a ramp which was used by guards on foot. Once inside there is a separate chapel - St. Hubert Chapel. Chateau D’Amboise is not fully furnished as some of the other chateau. But there are some rooms that are fully furnished. 
Rampart up to Chateau Amboise

Chateau Amboise

Chateau Amboise

View from Chateau Amboise