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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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
Julia_l
Jul 5, 2023
Not crowded and worth the Price - Upon checking out previous views on Château Gaillard, we found some negative reviews. We decided to try. The Château and gardens are lovely! We've found that Châteaus come in different sizes and restorations. Château Gaillard was just such. Not the shiniest, but quaint and charming. We felt it was worth the price. Interesting relics, vintage items and paintings. Minimal crowd. A nice place wander around and take your time. Tall mature trees and nice gardens are beautiful! Try the blood orange wine in the bar. It is delicious! Bought a bottle for later. Relaxing and beautiful. Give the Château a try!
Review provided by Viator
Josie001
May 19, 2023
Spectacular Views - Very welcoming at the ticket office and explained in detail what to see on my visit. Beautiful gardens and chateau was an added bonus. Would highly recommend if visiting Amboise
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicole
Sep 22, 2022
Oranges - Well organised displays and visit, beautiful grounds, very good guide (Hélène). A main theme is based on the introduction of orange trees in France … and it is possible to taste a delicious orange cake!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenny6459
Aug 8, 2022
Make time to visit Amboise's 3rd Chateau Chareau Gaillard - This was an amazing Chareau and surrounds. Picturesque walk to the Chateau from Ambroise centre.Just along the road from Lu Clos,it could be a hundred miles away, it was so quiet and peaceful. Walking around the gardens was enlightening as to the extent of the work taken to restore them to their original plantings, in such a short time.
The restoration of the Chateau has been tastefully done. The chateau isnt big but the history that has been recreated is exceptional. The family has used modern technology as well as historical items to enhance the visit.
We would highly recommend Chateau Gaillard.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J_n_1025
Jul 6, 2022
Hidden Gem in Amboise - The thing I loved most about this chateau…no crowds! It’s off the beaten path and away from the super touristy area of Amboise. When I went, I could count on one hand the amount of people visiting. It was so peaceful. And if you’d like, they have seating around the grounds for you to take it all in. The outdoor space is massive and I got some really amazing photos bc, again, not a lot of people. It’s worth the visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
534jillz
Jul 2, 2022
Don’t miss it! - C’est fantastique. From about 8 snakes preserved in jars to an olfactory cave where there are about 10 or 12 scents to experience, there are surprises everywhere at Gaillard. The guide booklets help you learn history and the uses or artistry of various decor and objects. Of the 9 chateaux, I’ve seen thus far, this was #1 or 2, in my opinion. For goodness sake, it has hundreds of years of history right up to the recent past where the 2016 European flood nearly approached its steps and certainly washed out or over its orangerie. Don’t rush. Read the available brochures and enjoy. If I’ve any criticism, the 12- minute film on the Dom Paciello who planted the orange grove is in French only, with no English explanation other than in the guidebooks. With four years of French under my belt, it was still too incomprehensible for me!
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
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