Historic Townhouse in Old Amboise - Castle Views & Courtyard Amboise Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 87249

The Cardinal's Bedroom, French Elegance

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Location: Amboise, Centre-Loire Valley, France, Europe (The Heart of the Loire Valley, Valley of Kings)

Accommodations:  Townhouse, 4 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)

Live a bit of French History and stay in "Le Cardinal", an Historic Stone Townhouse in the center of Old Amboise with private courtyard, small garden, parking and views of the Royal Palace.

This three-story classic French Townhouse built in the 1800's was once a part of the bustling Place Richelieu along the Route to Chenonceau, the most famous of the Loire Valley 16C Chateaux.

Le Cardinal is a three-minute walk from the Royal Palace and two minutes from the Rue Nationale, with its Clock Tower, clothing and antique shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, cheese shops, bakeries, bike rentals, etc.

The popular Amboise Open Market, along the Loire River, is only a six-minute walk, as is the Chateau Clos Luce, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, now a museum in his honor.

After a day of visiting the quintessential Chateaux of the Loire Valley, you will have the pleasure of returning to your home located on a cul-de-sac, facing the Park Jeanne d'Arc. There are two parking spaces, a courtyard off the kitchen and a small private, hedged and fenced garden with incredible views of the Palace.

When you enter Le Cardinal, you will be transported back to another time with its intricate tiled floors, four marble fireplaces, detailed wainscotting, chandeliers and antique furnishings.

The first floor is light and spacious with a classical foyer and elegant salon complete with crystal chandeliers and marble fireplace. The open kitchen has a center island, rustic large double basin sink and modern appliances. The large dining area also has a marble fireplace as well as wainscotting, chandelier, Henri II buffet, large French farm table that seats 8 and classic French terra cotta tile floor.

Head up the stairs off the kitchen, to the second floor complete with rich parquet floors to the first bathroom with open shower and all new fixtures. There are three bedrooms each with large windows and views of the Place Richelieu and the Royal Palace, two of which have marble fireplaces. The main bedroom with a French queen size bed and antique canopy has a second connecting bedroom room with a Napolean III double bed, perfect for families traveling with small children.

The third floor is a treat for the senses with large oak beams, slanted roof line and parquet floors. The second bathroom is directly to your right and features all new fixtures including a large soaking tub, electric towel rack and clothes washing machine and dryer. Next is the sitting room with a sofa bed, large TV with VCR/DVD players and a selection of English films, and a splendiferous view of the castle. The second main bedroom is next and has exposed beams a dormer window and a French Queen bed.

Live the life of French Gentry and stroll among the Amboisiens filling your basket with all the delights the Touraine has to offer. Then, return to Le Cardinal, your Amboise Townhouse, to prepare your meal and dine in the stone terraced courtyard off your kitchen. Retire to your elegantly decorated bedroom and enjoy the Royal Palace's fireworks display from the best seats in Amboise, your window!

Celebrate your France adventure, and have our private chef cook and serve your meals or give you cooking lessons. Stopping in Paris?, ask us about our one bedroom apartments in the chic 16th near the Seine and Eiffel Tower, or in the Latin Quarter or the Impressionists' village just outside Paris.

Vacation Rental Features

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• Amenities
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Linens Provided
  • Off Street Parking
• Beds
  • Queen Bed
  • Double Bed
  • Twin/Single Bed
  • Convertible Bed
  • Crib
• Entertainment
  • TV (No Cable/Satellite)
  • DVD
  • VCR
  • Video Library
  • CD Player
  • Stereo System
• Kitchen
  • Full Kitchen
  • Cooking Utensils Provided
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Catering Available
• Outdoor Features
  • Deck/Patio
• View/Location
  • Monument View
• Communications
  • Telephone
  • Broadband Internet
• Other Amenities
  • 4 Marble Fireplaces, Highspeed Internet Connection & Cyber Cafe 5 minutes away, French Satellite TV with 15 channels, Selection of English films, High Chair, Folding Baby Bed, Two garden tables & chairs + umbrella, Possible private Chef to prepare meals or give cooking lessons
• Suitability
  • Smoking Not Allowed
• Activities (on site and nearby)
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Theme Park (Amusement Park)
  • Zoo/Wildlife Park
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Restaurants
  • Kayaking
  • Boating
  • Swimming
  • Biking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Fitness Center/Gym
  • Health/Beauty Spa
  • Antiquing
  • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
  • Live Theatre
  • Museums
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hot Air Ballooning
• Other Activities
  • Clos Luce, Leonardo da Vinci's last home, is within walking distance as is the Place Richelieu with is respected French school for foreigners, the Rue Nationale Shopping District and Clock Tower, the Castle Square lined with restaurants and shops and the Royal Chateau of Amboise.

Rate Details (In Euros/US $/Canadian $)

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• Guest Comments (19)
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Personal Currency Assistant™

Nov-Mar 140 Euros/nt......900 Euros/wk
Apr-Oct 170/195 Euros/nt-1100/1250 Euros/wk Discounts available for longer stays
3 nt minimum rental        75 Euro cleaning and laundry fee
30% of rental fee holds your reservation
Balance due one mo before your arrival
250 Euros refundable security deposit to cover loss or damage
The exchange rate is determined by the rate at the time of transaction
We accept Credit Cards, Paypal and checks in US$ CAD$ and Euros

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

• Credit Cards Accepted:

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Property Photos

• Features
• Rate Details
• All Photos (8)
• Guest Comments (19)
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Guest Comments (19)

• Features
• Rate Details
• All Photos (8)
• Guest Comments (19)
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• 10/22/09
  Positive Rating
  Joan & Jerry Tavolott , Holbrook, NY
  • We had the luck to be upgraded to a stay at Le Cardinal by Steven and Veronice for our 4 night stay in the Loire Valley. What a wonderful property...we felt like royalty! The accommodations were just perfect, and just about everything we could think of was included. The townhouse is gorgeous, beautifully furnished, and has everything you need for a relaxing stay from a well-equipped kitchen, a patio area, to a TV with English channels. My husband is a music composer and was so inspired staying there that he composed several new songs. I am a watercolor artist and just found the place charming. I did get to paint a view of it! The location is great too. We loved being able to walk into Amboise for supplies and dinner. We felt very welcomed there and just wish our stay could have been longer.
• 09/17/09
  Positive Rating
  Doug and Kathryn Eckert , Birmingham, AL
  • Le Cardinal was an absolute joy. We spent 3 1/2 weeks there in June and July and had the best vacation we had ever had. The area is wonderful, and the central Loire Valley location is fantastic, but the chance to get to know the local markets and enjoy Amboise was equally outstanding. We will never forget our favorite strawberry vendor we saw each Friday and Sunday -- the best strawberries ever! Steven and Veronica were attentive and considerate hosts, and their townhouse was perfect for our trip for a family of four. We will return, soon!
• 09/04/09
  Positive Rating
  Deb Upton & Helen Loftus , Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • What a wonderful surprise it was when Steven asked if we minded staying for our first week in their Historic Townhouse in Amboise due to renovation noise at the Farhouse Loft. We were thrilled at the opportunity to spend our first days just walking around the beautiful town of Amboise. The markets, the chateau, the shops and walks along the Loire particularly at sunset were magical and then home to our welcoming historic townhouse. Every detail has been thought of to make a visitor comfortable and welcomed. We ate every evening in the garden which is beautifully set up for you. The beds were comfortable; a must for me to give any place we stay in a 5 star rating and the freshest, ironed sheets ever!! Amboise and the Historic Townhouse and Steven and Veronica as your hosts is a must if you are travelling to the Loire Valley!!
• 05/08/09
  Positive Rating
  Stuart and Lisa Kampel , Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • We stayed in Le Cardinal for 5 nights in August 2008 with our two young teenagers. Le Cardinal itself is truly as described in these postings and in the property description. The house is very well located and is within walking distance to the town center, restaurants, etc. Amboise is an excellent location to base yourself while you explore the lovely Loire valley. A highlight for us was attending the town's historical presentation at the Chateau Amboise on the Saturday night before we left for home. It was a great way to close our vacation in France. We have stayed at many rental properties and think that Le Cardinal is among the best. Hopefully we will be able to return someday soon. Steven and Veronica, thanks for your hospitality and apologies for the late addition to the site.
• 01/09/09
  Positive Rating
  David Miller , Indianapolis, In
  • Steve and Veronica, Forgive my delay in writing about our stay at Le Cardinal. My best friend, his wife and I rented Le Cardinal the second week of October. This was their first time in France, and first house rental for vacation use. They have always been "hotel dwellers", so it was important to me that the property be outstanding. It was!!! Diane, my friend's wife, fell in love with your house. In her annual Christmas letter she told friends of the marvelous "find" in Amboise, and of the great time we all had. We enjoyed Amboise's Sunday market, and the wonderful location to the major chateaux of the Loire Valley. We could sight see in the morning and early afternoon, return for a quick rest, wine and cheese and then go to dinner. In the morning, we would walk to town, buy our morning fruit and pastry and return to "eat in" breakfast. One day we were in a town on its market day, and bought chicken, produce, ham and cheese, and returned to prepare an evening meal. Diane, as she was fixing the salad, said "never in my life did I think I would be fixing dinner in a French house". The meal and experience were exceptional. The house had every imaginable amenity, the decorations showed the extreme care you take with your property. It was as staying in our own home. Since I was traveling for over 3 weeks, and this was my mid point stop, the washer and dryer were put to good use. The experience and comfort could not be topped. Thanks so much. My friends have already tasked me with planning a return to France in 2010.
• 11/10/08
  Positive Rating
  Martin and Brenda , East Lyme, CT
  • This was a fabulous travel experience! The location was close to everything and the house was amazing. The cottage was very cozy and warm, but at the same time the decorating was like stepping into a magazine spread. The personal touches such as the fresh flowers, extensive travel brochures, hat collection and most certainly, the fuseball table made our visit even more memorable. Coming home each night to Le Cardinal was just as enticing as visiting the Loire Valley's chateaux during the day!
• 09/11/08
  Positive Rating
  Wendy Winquest , Newhall, California
  • Staying at Le Cardinal was the highlight of our European vacation. Although we were only there for 2 nights I felt we got the true feel of France there. We arrived with a welcome on the chalkboard and fresh flowers on the table. I just walked around the house in awe of all the collectables. Steve and Veronica thought of everything , down to the basket of brochures of places to visit to the cd of french music that I listened to while drinking my morning coffee. We loved hearing the church bells and were waiting to see Belle from Beauty and the Beast walk down the sweet village streets. We loved Clos Luce and Chennonceau. Amboise was truly magical and we will definitely return! We also had a blast playing with the hat collection!
• 07/16/08
  Positive Rating
  Martha Hutton , Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • We adored Le Cardinal! The house is charming and beautifully equipped. We especially enjoyed the fabulous bed linens! The town of Amboise is lovely, and we made the most of it's central location in the Loire Valley, making a number of day trips to chateaux and a phenomenal one to visit the troglodytes (caves). We were thrilled that our visit coincided with Amboise's main market day - it was one of the nicest that we saw in France. We had also stayed at Stephen and Veronica's apartment in Paris, so really felt as though we were staying with friends. I would strongly recommend this home to anyone planning to explore this region of France.
• 06/12/08
  Positive Rating
  Sandra Kearney , San Diego, CA
  • I stayed at Le Cardinal for just over 2 months, so it really was my home away from home. I also had a lot of family visiting during that time - a full house a couple of times! Things couldn't have been more perfect. I've rented accommodations in France quite a few times, so I know that comfortable beds, large and modern bathrooms, spaciousness, and well appointed kitchens are not the norm. Le Cardinal has all those things,and more. The care that the owners, Steven & Veronica, have taken in decorating are immediately apparent, but I was still discovering interesting touches after I'd been there for weeks. I truly felt at home. Amboise is a great little town in a great area. Lots to see and do, especially if you have a car. I can't say enough nice things about Veronica and Steven, the owners. They are remarkable people and sincerely want their guests to be comfortable and enjoy their stay at Le Cardinal. They are happily willing to help in whatever way they can. We had them over for dinner and we went to their home too. They are a rarity. You absolutely cannot go wrong by making Le Cardinal your home away from home, no matter the length of your stay.
• 10/07/07
  Positive Rating
  J. Cheney and Shirley Mason , Orlando, FL
  • Le Cardinal was a wonderful respite from the whirlwind life we live! I am regretful that we were only there for five nights. It is situated in a peaceful, residential location, but within a 3 to 5 minute walk to town... a perfect location. The photographs on the web site are accurate. The home (I chose the word “home”) is lovely, warm, and welcoming. We felt comfortable from the moment we arrived. As another guest mentioned, the bed was very conducive to a wonderful night’s sleep. The markets are very near Le Cardinal, and we loved eating breakfast and some dinners at our home away from home. There is a “super” market located only a five minute drive from Le Cardinal. There you are able to purchase anything you would like, including many delicious prepared foods. The kitchen/dining area is quite large and has some lovely antiques, as do other rooms in Le Cardinal, but nothing to make it feel too stiff or formal Le Cardinal has two full bathrooms, not easy to find in Europe unless one rents a very large property. While it is a large home, its three floors make it feel cozy and private – even with two people, as was our situation. The home obviously is capable of accommodating many more. There are many restaurants in town, and each one we tried, we enjoyed. Just remember to each lunch before 2 PM, when almost every restaurant is closed, expect Gigot (sp?), known for its chocolates (delicious!). However, the menu after 2 is very limited We enjoyed our tour of the Chateau at Amboise; but we especially loved visiting Clos Luce, Leonardo da Vinci’s last home. It is an experience you should not miss when visiting The Loire. We definitely feel that we did not see all we would have wished in the Loire Valley, but we chose instead to relax and slow travel. I know we will return. We chose Amboise because of Clos Luce and its ability to provide good train connections to other areas of France. We did not want to stay in a Chateau somewhere in the country, where we would have to drive miles to a town just to have dinner or access a train station. We rented a car while there and took leisurely trips to Chenonceaux, an absolute must! We visited Chambord, but the awe there is from the exterior impression…the roof turrets, gables, cupolas and chimneys, and also the double helix staircase on the interior. However, the interior and furnishings were a disappointment. Steve and Victoria, the owners, are an absolutely delightful couple! They were there for us whenever we needed their assistance, which was (embarrassingly) on several occasions. We were quite happy when they were both available for dinner with us. It became very apparent to us that the warmth of Le Cardinal is all due to Steve and Veronica. We feel we have new friends, whom we certainly hope to see again. We are certain that is in our future, as it will be difficult to visit France without a visit to Le Cardinal! J. Cheney and Shirley Mason

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