Rick Steves’ Europe: Amboise Offers Delights and Leonardo Da Vinci Sights in France’s Loire Valley

Leonardo Da Vinci came to France with his favorite paintings in 1516 and stayed there until the end of his life.
Rick Steves’ Europe: Amboise Offers Delights and Leonardo Da Vinci Sights in France’s Loire Valley
The Château d’Amboise, home to several French kings, was built on a strategic site next to the Loire River. Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli, Rick Steves’ Europe
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As the Loire River glides gently east to west, officially separating northern from southern France, it has come to define one of France’s most popular tourist regions.

Because of its history, this region is home to hundreds of castles and palaces in all shapes and sizes. When a “valley address” became a must-have among 16th-century hunting-crazy royalty, rich Renaissance palaces replaced outdated medieval castles.

Rick Steves
Rick Steves
Author
Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This article was adapted from his new book, For the Love of Europe. You can email Rick at [email protected] and follow his blog on Facebook. ©2022 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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