Le Choiseul, Amboise

Historically, Chateau d*Amboise is one of the most important of the great Loire chateaux. It was the home of kings, visited by Catherine de Medici and said to be the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci. It also has a darker side: in 1560, 1,200 corpses of conspiring Huguenots were hung from iron hooks on the facade. Below the chateau*s ramparts is an 18th century residence set within Italianate terraced gardens overlooking the river. This is Le Choiseul, charming and friendly with a family atmosphere. The rooms are cheerfully, if not luxuriously, appointed. The cuisine is light and typical of the region, in tune with the delicious local Touraine wines. The scented terraces and gardens provide an unexpected intimacy that reminds one of home. Unlike Le Choiseul*s illustrious neighbours, the scale is human, the pace more gentle and the manner much more informal. Altogether a delightful encounter. The Hotel/Restaurant is closed until 30th June 2005.