Amboise

French town in the département of Indre-et-Loire, on the River Loire, 25 km/16 mi east of Tours; population (1990) 11,500. Agricultural machinery and textiles are manufactured; tourism is important. Its château, one of the finest of the Loire châteaux, rises on a terrace above the river, and was a residence of the Valois dynasty. Other buildings in the town include a 12th-century church.

The château was damaged during World War II, but has been restored; the Gothic King's Lodge dates from the 15th century, as does the Chapel of St-Hubert, which was used by the queen as an oratory. The artist Leonardo da Vinci died at Amboise in 1519.