Chateau Gaillard Royal Domain Admission Ticket: A Day in Charles VIII's Forgotten Paradise
4.5
217 Ratings
Amboise
Immerse yourself in the majestic Forgotten Paradise of Charles VIII for an entire day. This ticket allows you to delve into 500 years of history!
Journey into the past and uncover the extraordinary saga of French King Charles VIII, who transported 22 Italian craftsmen to Amboise and established the ‘First Renaissance’ at Château Gaillard.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Chateau Gaillard - You will discover this palazotto, wanted by Charles VIII, which has passed through the centuries and known all the great characters of the French Renaissance: Louis XII, Anne de Bretagne, François Ier, Dom Pacello da Mercoliano, Catherine de Medici, the Cardinal de Guise, Mary Stuart, etc.
Rich Renaissance collections are shown in the castle and a full renovation by Master of Art artisans has been done in 5 years by 300 workers of the Loire Valley.
Discover unique art pieces of XVI century such as Rembrandt, Titien, 8000 handmade glass windows, Comedia dell Arte tapestry, Italian collections…
You will finally know the fabulous history of the acclimatization of the first orange trees of France in the royal orangery under the castle. In 1496, Charles VIII brought back in his luggage the greatest master gardener of Europe: Dom Pacello da Mercoliano (a Neapolitan monk).
In 1500, Château Gaillard became “Les Jardins du Roy” and Pacello inherited the estate against a bouquet of orange blossoms to offer to the king every year! Château Gaillard becomes a place of experience for this illustrious gardener. In a 15-hectare park, Pacello will create the beginnings of “French-style” gardens, he will develop a new variety of plums (greengage), etc.
Stroll through the 7 walking path of Paradise, explore the caves in the hill, smell the citrus in the greenhouses and finish your visit to the citrus bar. You can taste the honey of Heaven, the orange blossom jelly and most importantly, enjoy a homemade orange cake and a freshly pressed orange juice.
What's Included
- Free guided tours conducted by professional art historian guide
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
- Pedestrian access only (29 allée du Pont Moulin, 37400 Amboise)
Location
Chateau Gaillard
29 allee du Pont Moulin, Parking estival gratuit au 99 avenue Léonard de Vinci
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(217 Ratings)
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B8725kaconniel
May 1, 2024
A Hidden Gem - This smaller Chateau is an enchanting gem.
Elegant gardens and Italian architecture and history of Charles VIII made it a favorite of all the Chateaus we have seen.
Stroll the gardens, the verdant wooded paths, then read the story of its restoration.
Unlike most of the chateaux we have seen on our trip, this one is fully and beautifully furnished in period.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
286christeller
Mar 22, 2024
This castle is worth the detour! - Gorgeous. Time stands still because the environment is so peaceful. We loved the first room which shows the work, the history of the castle is incredible. This castle is very charming, the gardens are superb. Very few people (February school holidays), it was very pleasant. The welcome was friendly. The film about Mary Stuart was very interesting. A real favorite ! THANKS !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mesaffreux44
Mar 20, 2024
Very nice visit - Really very interesting visit to this quiet and very well appointed, decorated and rehabilitated place. The history of the castle and its restoration are very instructive. The garden is also very pleasant. You can taste very tasty citrus jams.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Princess5tam-tam
May 3, 2024
Place not to be missed on the banks of the Loire in the continuity of the castles: 1 nugget - Top guided tour by a passionate and exciting young speaker! A private lesson by 2 adorable and expert gardeners in the art of caring for citrus fruits! An Italian-inspired garden bordered by a charming little wood where it was good to stroll!
We took the time to hang it with tea served with a smile :)
I highly recommend this Palace on a human scale
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gemoc
Apr 22, 2024
Absolutely worth discovering. - A very pretty castle to absolutely discover. You have to stroll through the gardens and the small woods to appreciate this environment before discovering the rooms. A special mention for Marie Stuart's room and the video which recalls the tragic destiny of this queen. Very friendly staff but the snack is a little expensive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markdb6036kg
Apr 7, 2024
Nice to do on a Sunday - We visited Chateau Gaillard on a Sunday. You walk the beautiful gardens including The Citrus Fruit Greenhouses and The Royal Orangery. The chateau was built by King Charles VIII and it is in the Italian style both inside and out. The gardens include "The Great Walk" which is a walk of around 375 metres long on a stone and gravel road bordered by Plane Trees planted over 150 years ago! The Chateau itself inside is not overly large but it is well set out with period furniture and tapestrys in each room and The Troglodytic Kitchen is something worth seeing. The food and drink offering was the only aspect of the Chateau that was not as good as it could or should be and it is something in my view the owner needs to adress. All up a worthwhile visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolyn99c
Feb 28, 2024
A Hidden Gem - We stumbled on this interesting chateau almost by accident, hidden away along the road from Clos Lucé. It has a fascinating history - Mary Queen of Scots honeymooned here and first gardens in France to cultivate oranges. The gardens and orangery are particularly interesting, even in winter.
Entry is slightly reduced if you've been to Clos Lucé (keep your ticket). There's a small café, which is pricey but very welcoming.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alpr86
May 23, 2024
Castle YES, restoration NO - The park is sumptuous, the castle is not very big, but it is magnificent.
In the first room, we follow the work which removed this castle from very invasive vegetation.
You will find a very wide variety of citrus fruits there.
What I regret is the lack of information on the paintings and the objects. There are a few pages here and there, but it's not enough.
It is still a place worth the detour.
Following my visit, I wanted to eat on the site. Don't make this mistake.
It is offered, among other things, a Niçoise salad for 17 euros. I was expecting a real Niçoise salad, on a plate with everything that goes with it.
I saw a small tray arrive with a small jar of vegetables and anchovies; a salad that can be found in boxes in supermarkets. Everything tasted the same.
No bread, but 3 Swedish rolls, one of which was very soft. a dirty glass, and no napkin.
I wanted to have a coffee: 5 euros for a small coffee, with 3 orange pims (we're generous...).
The specialty of the site being citrus fruits, jams (very good by the way) are sold: 9 euros a small jar...
In conclusion, go see this beautiful castle, enjoy the park and leave.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fleurdepirate
Mar 20, 2024
Discovery of this castle in 1 hour. - Friendly staff. Closed castle parking lot. Park in the Clos Lucé car park. It's not far, well signposted. Modest orange grove, we thought we would see more. We actually saw some when we left in a hangar protected from the cold. Castle well rehabilitated (2011) but no guide… fortunately a detailed leaflet. The castle inside seems a little too new (except for the furniture which respects the style of the period) beautiful reproduction of the kitchen. Nature is waking up, the garden will be beautiful in a few weeks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philor2023
Mar 1, 2024
A little disappointed - Good points :
- Well decorated castle with explanations.
- the gardens are well maintained and access to the entire garden.
- friendly and smiling staff
- few people (out of season) which allows you to visit the castle and take your time without feeling "rushed"
Negative points :
- out of season, the castle car park is not open. You have to walk on a path full of holes... not ideal with a stroller or when you have a disability.
- the price is still high for roughly 1 hour of visit...
- very disappointed that the castle store (in the small interior courtyard) is not open (around 11 a.m.). I was very excited about buying and giving orange foods as advertised in the brochure... so no candied orange.
- we had to leave the stroller at the castle door. I suspected that's not the question, but as it was raining it was soaked when we left. A little shelter or somewhere to park them would be nice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor