Chateau Gaillard Royal Domain Admission Ticket

Tours , France

Chateau Gaillard Royal Domain Admission Ticket

Active

(250 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Lose yourself for a whole day in the royal Forgotten Paradise of Charles VIII. This ticket will give you access to 500 years of history !

Step back in time and discover the fabulous epic of French King Charles VIII, who brought back 22 Italian artisans in Amboise and founded the "First Renaissance" at Château Gaillard.

Available options

Visite du Château et Domaine

Duration: 2 hours

Entrance ticket

This ticket gives you all access to the Domaine Royal de Château Gaillard (gardens +ground floor of the castle).

What's included

Professional art historian guide (free guided tours in french)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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 not included

Transportation to/from attractions

Available languages

Written guide

EN FR

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

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Tripadvisor 4.4

247 reviews

5★

170

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Pedestrian access only (29 allée du Pont Moulin, 37400 Amboise)

Important notes

• Opening hours : 11h-19h

About Tours

Tours is a historic city in the Loire Valley, known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and proximity to some of France's most famous châteaux. The city offers a blend of medieval charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal base for exploring the Loire Valley.

Top Attractions

Château de Villandry

A stunning Renaissance château known for its beautiful gardens, including the famous ornamental gardens and vegetable gardens.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €11.50 (adult), €6.50 (child)

Tours Cathedral

A beautiful Gothic cathedral with a rich history, featuring stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stonework.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours

A fine arts museum housed in a former bishop's palace, featuring a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Museum 1-2 hours €7 (adult), Free for EU residents under 26

Jardin Botanique de Tours

A beautiful botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plants, greenhouses, and a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Place Plumereau

A charming medieval square in the heart of Tours, surrounded by half-timbered houses, cafes, and restaurants.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rillettes de Tours

A traditional pork pâté made with shredded meat and fat, slow-cooked and served as a spread.

Appetizer Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Tarte Tatin

A famous upside-down apple tart with a caramelized top, originating from the Loire Valley.

Dessert Vegetarian (if made with butter and sugar only)

Chinon Wine

A red wine from the nearby Chinon region, known for its fruity and earthy flavors.

Drink Contains alcohol, not suitable for those avoiding alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Loire Valley Cycling along the Loire River Hot air balloon rides Wine tasting Picnicking in the gardens Spas and wellness centers Visiting châteaux Exploring historic streets

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to visit for outdoor activities and exploring the châteaux.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken (Many people in the tourism industry speak English, but it's helpful to know some basic French phrases.)

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe (Tours is generally a safe city, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.)

Tours is a generally safe city with low crime rates. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to be vigilant and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Tours Val de Loire Airport • 6 km from city center
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport • 250 km from Tours

By train

Tours Centre

By bus

Tours Centre Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Fil Bleu bus network covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Vieux Tours (Old Town) Les Fontaines Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire

Day trips

Château de Chambord

40 km from Tours • Full day

One of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley, known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and vast forest.

Château de Chenonceau

30 km from Tours • Full day

A stunning château spanning the Cher River, known for its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens.

Amboise

25 km from Tours • Half day to full day

A charming town in the Loire Valley, known for its beautiful château, historic streets, and proximity to other attractions.

Festivals

Tours International Jazz Festival • October Fête de la Musique • June 21 Tours en Fête • July

Pro tips

Visit the local markets, such as the Marché des Halles de Tours, for fresh produce, cheeses, and specialty foods.
Explore the historic streets and neighborhoods of Tours, such as Vieux Tours (Old Town) and Les Fontaines.
Take a day trip to the nearby châteaux, such as Château de Villandry, Château de Chambord, and Château de Chenonceau.
Sample local wines and visit the vineyards of the Loire Valley, such as those in Chinon and Vouvray.
Attend local festivals and events, such as the Tours International Jazz Festival and the Fête de la Musique.