Amboise

Amboise is the nearest town (population 12,000) to our cottage.  It sits beside the Loire, and is dominated by the Royal Chateau which sits in its centre.  An interesting fact is that this is where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last few years.  His remains are in a little chapel in the chateau.  From the town below, the chapel is perched high up on top of the massive walls.  That's it in the middle of this photo:

However when you make the climb up into the chateau you find that up there are beautiful lawns and gardens, and the actual chateau is nowhere near as big as the protective walls might suggest.  Here is how the same chapel looks from up there:

Leonardo's resting place, inside the chapel.

The chapel and the actual chateau, and its lawns and gardens all sit high up behind those protective walls, providing a private estate which was very popular with the french aristocracy, who used to come and stay here.

The Chateau Royal

Inside the chateau

Part of the formal gardens.

Almost birds-eye view down to the houses below the walls.

From the top of the walls; town below.

Amboise is a nice little town, and apparently popular with tourists who filled the cafes and restaurants along the street below the chateau.

Salsa dancing in the streets.

One of many Harley Davidsons visiting the town that day.

Bridge over the Loire at Amboise.

Our rental Citroen Picasso.  Seems I need some parking practice!