Chateau Gaillard: Unearth Royal History & Epic Views

This is a château that until several years ago was in a state of ruin. When you read how a business man in love with Renaissance architecture in the Loire first heard about it, drove down from Paris two days later, purchased it, then spent years authentically restoring it, you can’t help but be fascinated! This is where the first oranges were grown in France, where the children of Catherine de Medici played in the vast gardens, and where Marie Stuart spent her honeymoon and first years of marriage. It is built into a mountain, has several troglos and a rich history. We hadn’t even heard about it until we saw a sign. It is literally a 15-20 minute walk from Chateau Amboise, A big thank you to EVELYNE, who enthralled us with so many amazing details as we purchased our tickets that we were fascinated even before we stepped inside. It’s a great story and a must see. The introductory room shows all the restoration work, before and after photos, the number of artisans…the original real estate for sale flier stating that ‘serious work’ (des lourds travaux) should be expected! Félicitations M. et Mme. Lelandais!

A very beautiful house and garden, lovingly restored by its owners. It retains the atmosphere of the original renaissance house and the gardens are beautifully shady and peaceful. Mary, Queen of Scots spent her honeymoon there with her teenage dauphin husband. It must have been one of the happiest times in her pretty tragic life!

This is a small chateau but its location, its history, and the gardens make it very special indeed. I had never really thought about then introduction of oranges to Europe but this place played a vital role in it. The link to Mary Queen of Scots is fascinating and her story is told well (in French). This is a calm place but well worth the visit.

This smaller Chateau is an enchanting gem. Elegant gardens and Italian architecture and history of Charles VIII made it a favorite of all the Chateaus we have seen. Stroll the gardens, the verdant wooded paths, then read the story of its restoration. Unlike most of the chateaux we have seen on our trip, this one is fully and beautifully furnished in period.

We visited Chateau Gaillard on a Sunday. You walk the beautiful gardens including The Citrus Fruit Greenhouses and The Royal Orangery. The chateau was built by King Charles VIII and it is in the Italian style both inside and out. The gardens include "The Great Walk" which is a walk of around 375 metres long on a stone and gravel road bordered by Plane Trees planted over 150 years ago! The Chateau itself inside is not overly large but it is well set out with period furniture and tapestrys in each room and The Troglodytic Kitchen is something worth seeing. The food and drink offering was the only aspect of the Chateau that was not as good as it could or should be and it is something in my view the owner needs to adress. All up a worthwhile visit.

We stumbled on this interesting chateau almost by accident, hidden away along the road from Clos Lucé. It has a fascinating history - Mary Queen of Scots honeymooned here and first gardens in France to cultivate oranges. The gardens and orangery are particularly interesting, even in winter. Entry is slightly reduced if you've been to Clos Lucé (keep your ticket). There's a small café, which is pricey but very welcoming.

Upon checking out previous views on Château Gaillard, we found some negative reviews. We decided to try. The Château and gardens are lovely! We've found that Châteaus come in different sizes and restorations. Château Gaillard was just such. Not the shiniest, but quaint and charming. We felt it was worth the price. Interesting relics, vintage items and paintings. Minimal crowd. A nice place wander around and take your time. Tall mature trees and nice gardens are beautiful! Try the blood orange wine in the bar. It is delicious! Bought a bottle for later. Relaxing and beautiful. Give the Château a try!

Very welcoming at the ticket office and explained in detail what to see on my visit. Beautiful gardens and chateau was an added bonus. Would highly recommend if visiting Amboise

Well organised displays and visit, beautiful grounds, very good guide (Hélène). A main theme is based on the introduction of orange trees in France … and it is possible to taste a delicious orange cake!

This was an amazing Chareau and surrounds. Picturesque walk to the Chateau from Ambroise centre.Just along the road from Lu Clos,it could be a hundred miles away, it was so quiet and peaceful. Walking around the gardens was enlightening as to the extent of the work taken to restore them to their original plantings, in such a short time. The restoration of the Chateau has been tastefully done. The chateau isnt big but the history that has been recreated is exceptional. The family has used modern technology as well as historical items to enhance the visit. We would highly recommend Chateau Gaillard.