Château-Gaillard

Amboise, France

The royal estate of Château-Gaillard, commissioned by Charles VIII upon his return from the First Italian War, is located in Amboise in the Loire Valley. It includes, notably, a royal residence that is one of the Loire Valley châteaux and extends at the base of the southern slope of the Châteliers promontory, near the Clos-Lucé.

Château-Gaillard is a royal estate built for Charles VIII upon his return from the First Italian War in 1496. Admiring the Poggio Reale villa of Ferdinand the Catholic in Naples, he wished to have a comparable residence near his château in Amboise.

The Château-Gaillard estate served as a 'laboratory' for the French Renaissance: it was the first acclimatization garden in France, featuring the creation of the first royal orangery in France, the first Renaissance garden in France designed by Dom Pacello da Mercogliano, which included the first axial landscape perspective and the first 'French formal garden' parterres. It was also the first French adaptation of Italian Renaissance architecture, inspired by the Medici villas in Florence.

The royal estate of Château-Gaillard was listed as a historical monument in 1963 for its chapel and gardens located in front of the château. After five years of restoration, the estate was opened to the public in 2014.

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Details

Founded: 1496
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in France

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Brad (6 months ago)
We recently visited and enjoyed our time at Château-Gaillard. This is an Italian style castle built by King Charles VIII near the end of the 15th-century. The property fell into decline in recent decades but was restored and opened to the public in 2014. We enjoyed the Château-Gaillard as well as the garden grounds and forest grounds as well. Had a pleasant walk along a couple of the designated trails on the property map provided when you purchase ticket at the entry. Around 60-90 minutes is sufficient to leisurely visit the property. Given proximity to the city centre, you can easily combine with visits to nearby Château du Clos Lucé and/or Château Royal d'Amboise wanting to see another castle or two on the day.
Anne Slater (7 months ago)
Small chateau with the most remarkable story. We enjoyed our visit (parking at Parking payant du Clos Luce) and a 5 minute walk. If you are in Amboise it really is worth a visit. €16 is possibly a bit steep, but we are really pleased we discovered this gem.
Vanessa Leedham (8 months ago)
I really enjoyed this place and wished I had more time to explore. It felt like a bit of a hidden gem. My highlights were tasting the jams, exploring the nice, cool kitchens (despite the heat everywhere else) and walking through the gardens. We had lunch in the cafe too.
MG B (10 months ago)
Amazing to think this chateau/Castle dates from the 1500’s five centuries ago and was recently restored from 2010to2015 after being overgrown and hidden to the public The first orange trees planted in France It might be small but it is worth visiting for the historical links.
Lia-Cristina Bica (3 years ago)
although smaller than most chateaus, it is (in my opinion) the most beautiful one! the italian style definitely makes it different from the rest! the gardens also have so you can enjoy the view
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