Amboise meets the definition of a "perfect château town" in the Loire Valley (map).

Not only does it have a wonderful château favored by François I, one of France's greatest monarchs, the château contains the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, and another château that was his home for the last three years of his life.

It offers a fine medieval main street, a River Loire promenade, boat rides on the river, bicycle paths to other chateaus, good cafés, restaurants and patisseries, vineyards and wineries just out of town, and a selection of lodgings in all price ranges.

The center of your activities will be the Place Michel Debré, the widened street alongside the ramp leading uphill to the Château d'Amboise. Here, besides the entrance to the château, you'll find many of the town's better restaurants and cafés, shops, and Vignobles d'Amboise, a combination museum, tasting-room and wine shop in a series of caves beneath the château.

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