Ambling through Amboise

A timber-framed building with iron Maltese cross trim on the windows in Amboise, France. Artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life here at Clos Luce, as a special guest of the king.

An advertising poster for a local theatre production of George Orwell's Animal Farm.

A lovely wrought iron sign and window-box blossoms over a gift shop in a timber-framed building.

Asters in locally-produced pottery urns at the end of the entry ramp in the Chateau d'Amboise.

Stuffed wild boar help advertise hunting gear in this sporting goods shop vitrine.

A knight in shining armour stands guard at the entranceway of a souvenir shop.

A street scene on a cold rainy winter's day. In the spring and summer, these streets are jammed with tourists.

A street of shops and restaurants in Amboise.

Le Fleuray is an elegant family-owned country inn featuring wonderful hospitality, comfortable accommodations and excellent food. We've stayed here both in summer and winter and hope to return. The Loire Valley - known for its wine and beautiful historic chateaus - is a three-hour drive from Paris.

Comments

[awareness]

What a gorgeous town. I would love to see it for myself. The pictures make it very enticing.......another spot on my list of places to visit. :) Great photos Tara.

[studio wellspring]

i think midi au soliel is the shop sign of my dreams

[marita]

lovely images of a historical village... the anduze urn is just stunning!!

[marja]

Oh what a great place and af\gain such beautiful pictures make yu want to go there. I adored the urn with flowers

[Rosa]

Sigh, I wish I were there walking beside your photo taking. It all looks wonderful.

[AscenderRisesAbove]

a fascinating collection of photos. i was wondering if you have read maus?

[Jeanie]

What a splendid day! I feel as though I'm there -- love the Orwell sign!

[Amber]

I would love to live in this area. Someday Kory and I are going to go back, and spend more time. Maybe months.

:)

[Di Overton]

Ooh I think I need to visit this place. I love their shop signs

[Pepektheassassin]

I *heart* you, Tara, for expanding my little world!

[stephanie]

Ohhhh, so lovely, thank you for the walk!

[Sherry]

Oh such a pretty place and you have done it once again -- taken me on a journey of beauty. I especially loved seeing the flowers on this cold, drab, snowy January morning..and I loved the sign for "midi au soleil".

[JanePoe (aka Deborah)]

That looks like a wonderful place to visit!

[My Melange]

Love the shots of the quaint little shopping street :)

[Brian]

Hi Tara. Thank you as always for your informative and beautiful photo essays. I love the first picture of the timber and brick building.

[Passementerie]

How gorgeous - thank you for posting these pictures as goodness knows when we'll actually make it there... very busy schedule for the next few months...