Dining at the chateau
Take a break at the rather lovely terrace garden café. Don’t miss the shop with its gorgeous gifts and Leonardo models in the courtyard of the chateau.
There’s also a pretty restaurant in the park alongside the river where you can enjoy snacks, drinks and meals.
If, however you are in a group – don’t miss the chance of a medieval feast in the grounds of the chateau at the Auberge du Prieuré. The serving staff dress up in costumes of the middle ages, the food is from ancient menus. The atmosphere is great fun and educational as the food and customs of the times are explained. For instance, did you know the French word copain which means friend/mate comes from the term to break bread (pain) before prayers?
Practical information
The Chateau du Clos Lucé is open year-round (except 25 December and 1 January). See the website for details:
Trains from Paris to Amboise take 2 hours. There is a year-round bus service from the station to the town centre. UKVoyages-SNCF
Leave time to visit Amboise town, it’s beautifully preserved and well worth a wander and of course there’s also the Chateau d’Amboise to visit too!