Location: Amboise, Centre-Loire Valley, France, Europe (The Heart of the Loire Valley, Valley of Kings) View Map
Accommodations: Townhome, 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, and was the property of the Priory of St. Thomas.
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 apartment in the chic 16th near the Seine and Eiffel Tower, or our 2 bedroom apartment in the culturally rich and ever vibrant Latin Quarter.
Keywords: Turn of Century 3 story Townhouse
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washing Machine
- Parking Off Street
- Linens Provided
- Clothes Dryer
- Beds
- Queen (2)
- Baby Crib
- Double
- Sleep Sofa /Futon
- Twin/ Single
- Entertainment
- Satellite Or Cable
- Stereo System
- DVD
- CD
- VCR
- Video Library
- Kitchen
- Dish Washer
- Full Kitchen
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Cooking Utensils
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Monument View
- Communications
- Broadband Access
- Free Long Distance
- Telephone
- Wireless Broadband
- 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
- Children Welcome
- Non Smoking Only
- Activities
- Tennis
- Mountain Biking
- Fitness Center
- Shopping
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Golf
- Kayaking
- Restaurants
- Theme Parks
- Live Theater
- Zoo
- Cinemas
- Museums
- Boating
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Sight Seeing
- 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 $)
Nov-Mar 140 Euros/nt......900 Euros/wk Apr-Oct 170/205 Euros/nt-1100/1300 Euros/wk 3 nt minimum rental 75->85 Euro cleaning and laundry fee 30% of rental fee holds your reservation Balance due one mo before your arrival 400 Euros refundable security deposit to cover loss or damage The exchange rate is determined by the rate at the time of transaction We accept Credit Cards, Paypal and checks in US$ CAD$ and Euros
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
-
-
Map & Owner's Profile
Property Photos
-
- Fine Dinning in French Style, Farmhouse Table and Henri II Buffet
-
- 1800's Classic French Salon
-
- Napolean III Bed, Tapestry Decorated Walls
-
- 2nd Floor Light and Airy Bathroom w/ Walk-in Shower
-
- Soaking Tub & Exposed Beams in 3rd Floor Bathroom
-
- Spectacular Views of the Place Richelieu & Royal Palace from Townhouse
Traveler Reviews (23)
Wonderful Stay in Amboise
Guest: San Diego Traveling Family
(San Diego, Ca)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11
Review Submitted: 05/28/11
We had a wonderful time during our stay in Le Cardinal. The house was very conveniently located, fantastically charming, beautiful, and comfortable. We wouldn't want to stay anywhere else if we are lucky enough to return to the beautiful Loire Valley soon. Thank you so much Steven and Veronica - our stay was really everything we hoped it would be. Neil, Kelly, Hayden (9) and Violet (5)
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Charming, convenient place in beautiful Amboise
Guest: Susan
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11
Review Submitted: 04/20/11
We just spent a lovely long weekend at this truly original home in the lovely town of Amboise. Steven and Veronica made it so easy for us to book even though our party -- two families living on two very distant continents -- were coming from very different places. The house is quirky, interesting (we all loved the hat collection) and great for our party of four adults and four children. We were able to walk to the town center (and some great restaurants) in less than 10 minutes, with small kids in tow. And definitely have the owners help you organize a cooking class -- or even just a meal -- with Chef Damien. It was the highlight of our trip! Thanks so much for a great Loire weekend.
Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car, families with teenagers.
Le Cardinal in Amboise
Guest: Priscilla & Joseph
(Prague, Czech Republic)
Date of Stay: 12/04/10
Review Submitted: 12/19/10
December, 2010 If you are looking for a home away from home, Steven and Veronica's "Le Cardinal" is the place to go. The house is truly as advertised and actually exceeded our expectations. The attention to detail in the house, from the decoration to all practical things guests might need, was extraordinary. The organization, information and follow-through from the moment we booked the house was something we have not seen before. Absolutely brilliant. The town of Amboise was a delight and is perfectly located for visiting all the chateaux in the Loire Valley. To top it off, the people of Amboise were incredibly friendly, and I have to say that it was one of the best vacations we have ever had. Thank you Veronica and Steven!
Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
WONDERFUL HOME FOR VISITING THE LOIRE VALLEY CASTLES
Guest: Maria & Bob
(Miami, Florida USA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/10
Review Submitted: 06/27/10
My family and I travel extensively, always renting private homes/apartments rather than staying at hotels. As a result, we have developed a keen eye for what makes a "Home Away" great; Le Cardinal qualifies as EXCELLENT. It is a home furnished in a traditional French style, filled with lovingly selected antiques and period-correct pieces, yet it feels like your home. Everything you need is provided for you, exceedingly so, and Steven and Veronica have thought of small details that many "Home Away" owners do not. They have made perfect use of space. Little things like having a place to hang your wet towels, your clothes, etc. There are hooks and clothes trees everywhere. This is not common even in many hotels and when you are traveling for 3 months as a family, as we are, these little things become much more important. The location in Amboise is perfect for visiting all of the castles while still being a small, charming village that is very calm and peaceful. We truly enjoyed our stay at Le Cardinal and hated to leave!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
A truly memorable stay
Guest: grunhilde
(Sydney)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10
Review Submitted: 06/03/10
Thanks so much to Steven and Veronica for the wonderful service they provided at Le Cardinal no detail unattended from first email to farewell, truly professional with that very personal touch. A memorable stay indeed. The easy walk to the town, Castle and Clos Luce the friendly locals the fantastic Sunday Market (not to be missed) local restaurants and wonderful food shopping made our stay a sensation. Arriving to fresh Lilacs, beautiful linens and a truly unique property set the tone for a great stay. I would thoroughly recommend this property and Steven and Veronica's excellent service and hope to have the pleasure of returning one day. This property certainly will not disappoint.
Recommended for:
Guest: Joan & Jerry Tavolott
(Holbrook, NY)
Date of Stay: 10/22/09
Review Submitted: 10/22/09
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.
Recommended for:
Guest: Doug and Kathryn Eckert
(Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 09/17/09
Review Submitted: 09/17/09
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!
Recommended for:
Guest: Deb Upton & Helen Loftus
(Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/04/09
Review Submitted: 09/04/09
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!!
Recommended for:
Guest: Stuart and Lisa Kampel
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/08/09
Review Submitted: 05/08/09
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.
Recommended for:
Guest: David Miller1
(Venice Florida)
Date of Stay: 01/09/09
Review Submitted: 01/09/09
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.
Recommended for:
First (10) of (23). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #87249
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - Wednesday, March 14, 2012
