Château Gaillard

Here is another château in Amboise that has generally been unknown to the locals and certainly to the tourists.  But it is now being somewhat "rediscovered" following the purchase and the start of renovations by a new owner in recent years.  Since it is privately owned, it has not been open to the public.  However, this summer, the owner has allowed access to the grounds and the first floor of the château, the only floor that has been almost completely restored.  They have done a magnificent job of the renovation.

The château has an amazing history.  It was built by Charles VIII at the end of the 15th century.  It continued to be used by the royal families through the 16th century.  There's way too much interesting history to tell here, but for you Francophones, here is a link to the owner's blog and a Wikipedia link that will tell story.   (Note that the English side of Wikipedia has an article about another château with same name but not this one.)  I don't know what the future holds for this little gem.  I can only hope that it will be open to the public in the future, at least from time to time.