We were very happy with the St. Thomas Manoir hotel in Amboise when we eventually found it. A spacious room, light and airy in spite of the period decor. I went for a swim and David found out about restaurants, vineyards and chateaux. We went out for a walk well before 7 pm and I was already tired by the time we arrived at the Lion D' or restaurant. I enjoyed my burnt, on purpose, leek, and the apricot daquoise dessert. But was completely exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel
Le Manoir Saint Thomas, dating from the 12th century, lies in the centre of peaceful Amboise- five minutes walk from the medieval Royal Castle of the Kings of France and the Manor House of Leonardo da Vinci. 10 beautifully appointed air-conditioned rooms, each with a luxury bathroom en-suite, satellite TV and minibar. And, to relax, a shaded, secluded garden with a heated swimming-pool.
It appears to have been bought as a ruin by the previous owner around 2000, and then sold in 2023. The service was pleasant, but not really very personal. No food except for breakfast, and booking a table in an outside restaurant was difficult. A nice hotel, but overpriced on what they had to offer the guest. Rooms had been done up by the new owner, but the plumber they used was not up to the job - our bath did not fill, and all 4 washbasin taps leaked. The corona was missing from our bed, and reception had no idea what had happened to it. The towels were remove from the pool area before 18.00. I sort of felt that the staff just let the guests get on with it, and hoped that the guests would not disturb them.
To get a larger photo, please click on thumbnail below
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Chateau Royal d'Amboise
The Château d'Amboise was confiscated by the monarchy in the 15th century, and it became a favoured royal residence and was extensively rebuilt. King Charles VIII died at the château in 1498 after hitting his head on a door lintel.
The château fell into decline from the second half of the 16th century and the majority of the interior buildings were later demolished, but some survived and have been restored, along with the outer defensive circuit of towers and walls. It has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1840
The aerial shot below gives a good idea of its format - a large house sitting on top of a fortified base.
July 8
Thunder during the night . A pleasant soak in a large bath before an ample breakfast. Went around the main chateau in the town and I was still able to appreciate its exterior, it’s gardens and most of all, its views over the Loire. We stopped at the Orangeria for some wine and water.
To get a larger photo, please click on thumbnail below
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Then walked along the river to a wine tasting venue, but, unfortunately, the youth there rubbed us up the wrong way. On the way back to the hotel we bought salad rolls and fruit tarts for picnics. Also a bottle of wine. Then we sat out on the lawn and enjoyed these .after lunch we walked down to the Loire and found a bar with good views, But David had to wait ages to purchase two glasses of wine with thumping bass music blaring. But he returned with the drinks still good humoured. On the way back we had a lovely ice cream, mine Amaretto. Then a swim and supper out on the lawn
To get a larger photo, please click on thumbnail below
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July 9 We walked to the huge market in the car park beside the Loire. This was really interesting, the French really do love their food. We then went over the bridge to the island, mainly occupied by a huge campground. We had a pleasant walk here along the river. Returning we bought two quiches in a delicatessen and stopped again for an ice cream. A siesta and then lunch on the lawn.
At three we walked to the Chateau Luce where Leonardo da Vinci lived from 1516 to1519. As well as examples of all his inventions in part of the chateau, there was also a special exhibition of his anatomical prowess, demonstrated in his paintings. Although the grounds had no magical view along the Loire, they were interesting for all the gadgets that Leonardo had invented.
Finally we had a drink there before returning to the hotel, painfully typing this diary,enjoying a swim and then supper outside again.
Chateau Clos de Luce
The Château du Clos Lucé is a large château located in the center of Amboise. Built by Hugues d'Amboise in 1471, the palace has known several famous owners such as the French king Charles VIII and Leonardo da Vinci.
Clos Lucé is 500 metres from the royal Château d'Amboise, to which it is connected by an underground passageway. King Charles VIII bought the home from Etienne Le Loup in 1490 and during this time it became known as the ‘summer house’, housing French royalty. After a few decades Francis I gave it to Leonardo da Vinci when he invited him to live in France in 1516. The aging polymath lived his last years in this house, until his death on 2 May 1519. Thanks to its famous owners, this house today ranks as a ‘historical monument’ and therefore is protected from demolition or reconstruction. After 1855 it became a well-known museum about Leonardo da Vinci's life, work and memory, which was put together and directed by The Saint-Bris family, the present owners of the property.
To get a larger photo, please click on thumbnail below
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July 10th A three hour journey south from Amboise to St. Priest les Fougeres and our annual three day stay with Gaynor and Vic, and their two dogs, Fina and Pepita.
Holiday to Asturias and France 2023