Ile D'Or

If you are going to visit the castle of Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci's grave at the Clos-Lucé, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the island of Ile d'or ("golden island") just outside the city, especially if it's sunny. A picnic there is really a much better and cheaper than any restaurant in downtown Amboise: coming across the bridge to the castle, turn right, and you'll see large fields, a swimming pool, football fields, playgrounds, and cool, breezy river banks. Perfect for a picnic before continuing with the endless castle route by bike, bus, or car.