“Avanti la Musica” Festival
From 22 June to 26 July 2013
Faithful to its origins, and as a complement to its regular programme, the royal château of Amboise will be hosting several events which pay homage to the rich culture of Italy. Since the Renaissance, Amboise has maintained special cultural links with the country. The 2013 season will pay homage to music and celebration in their most varied forms of expression, including classical concerts, public festivals and Commedia del Arte… Avanti la Musica!
22 June at 3pm (official opening of the festival) –23 June – 29 June – 30 June – 14 July – 20 and 21 July – 26 July 2013.
“Music & Candlelight” Evenings
8 and 10 May, 12 and 20 August 2013 from 8-10pm
Non-guided visit* of the castle’s gardens and Royal Apartments, including dances performed by actors in costume, a harp (Adeline de Preissac) and horn (Nicolas Gaignard) duo, and sound effects and lighting in the gardens.
Reduced entrance fees in the evening: adults 8.10€; students 7.70€; children (7-18) 6.20€.
*Guided and audio-guided tours are not available in the evening.
Nocturnal enchantment: “At the court of King François I”
From 22 June to 31 August 2013
Charles VIII, Louis XII, François I, Queen Claude of France, Leonardo da Vinci, the royal court and villagers await your visit at the Château Royal d'Amboise to relive the pomp and ceremony of the French Renaissance as part of a 90min show. Entertainment featuring lights, water, fireworks, horsemanship and the dances of the Renaissance will transport you back to the reign of François I.
Information & bookings: 02 47 57 14 47
Behind the scenes of history
From April to September 2013
Guided tours of the château’s underground passageways and towers
Individual visitors (groups of 18 people maximum) can enjoy special access to the towers and underground passageways of this Renaissance-style royal residence. Approx. 1hr guided tours in French of the underground passageways and towers of this medieval fortress for visitors aged 7 and over (reasonable fitness required).
In April, May and June, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5pm. In July and August, daily at 5pm. In September, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4.30pm* (except European Heritage Weekend).
Advance booking online strongly recommended at www.chateau-amboise.getaticket.com.
Individual entrance fees: adults 15€, students 13.50€ and children (7- 18) 11.70€ (includes non-guided access to the château).
St Hubert’s Festival
9 November 2013
The patron saint of hunters, St Hubert is particularly celebrated in the Touraine, a region which has a long tradition of hunting. Amboise forest is especially renowned for its hunting of big game, which dates back to the 16C when the Valois kings would head off on long hunting jaunts from their royal residence at Amboise. The Château Royal d’Amboise is reviving this tradition by welcoming unusual guests to the castle – the barking of packs of hounds will accompany the sounding of the horn during the ceremonies which take place before the hunt begins.
9am: St Hubert’s Mass in the main castle courtyard in the presence of the horn players and the Amboise hunt.
10am: blessing of the Amboise hunt in front of St Hubert’s chapel in the castle.
10.30pm: snack for the hunters and departure of the hunt.
Access to the castle included in the entrance ticket.
Christmas over the centuries
From 30 November 2013 to 5 January 2014
“Noël, Noël!”. This joyful princely cry still resonates today in this royal residence. However, events celebrating the nativity have changed considerably over the centuries. Visitors will discover the origins of these traditions from the Renaissance and the 18C and 19C. A superbly decorated royal residence.
Bilingual commentaries (French and English) and Christmas music via the audio-guide (in addition to the audio-guided tour of the permanent collections).
Visit included in the general entry ticket to the château. Audio-guide supplement (4€), including commentary on the permanent collections (available in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese and Mandarin).