Romantic Getaway

Located in the ‘Garden of France,’ Amboise is a quintessential small French town in the Loire Valley practically untouched by the 21st century. It is located on the quiet Loire River and was a favorite spot for French royalty to spend their free time throughout the sixteenth century. It remains the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. With only a little over 11,000 inhabitants, Amoise still has the charms of an ancient town but is now punctuated with luxurious restaurants and hotels. Additionally, Amboise is much easier reach than one would think. Ryan Air services flights directly from London Stansted to Tours, a town fourteen kilometers west of Amboise. Take a bus directly from the Tours Airport for only five euros.

Le Vieux Manoir is one of Amboise’s mainstays. It is a charming bed and breakfast located in the heart of the town owned by an American couple. Decorated with 19th and 18th century antiques, it takes its visitors back in time. The house itself dates back from the 18th century but was completely refurbished over the course of two years. The owners have struck a perfect balance between the charm of antiquity and the luxury of modernity and are careful that the bed and breakfast retains a distinctive French feel with modern amenities. Small details such as the lovely French soap in the bathrooms and the wine guests can enjoy on arrival make Le Vieux Manoir truly exceptional. Wake up in the morning to a breakfast in the ‘jardin’ consisting of homemade granola, fresh croissants and locally produced French cheese.

During the day, Amboise provides endless opportunities for the history buff. Leonardo da Vinci made his home in Amboise, which he called Close Luce. Da Vinci was quite close to Francois 1st who lived in the Chateau d’Amboise in the center of town. Not only did Francois 1st invite da Vinci to move to Amboise, he commissioned an underground tunnel between Close Luce and his Chateau to connect the two residences. Many of Leonardo da Vinci’s original works remain in Close Luce on display for those who tour it.