The Royal Chateau D'Amboise rests on the Loire River beside the town of Amboise and was a favored royal retreat for the French Monarchy until the death of Charles VII, who passed away there. In the subsequent years of the 16th century the chateau fell into disrepair and for some time it was a used as a prison for nobles and political figures, including Abdelkader El Djezairi of Algeria. After his release by Napoleon III, the French President's heirs began repairing the chateau and today it is open to tourists 363 days of the year (closed on Dec 25 and Jan 1).
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