The restoration of the fabulous 15th century Chapelle Saint Hubert, in the grounds of the the Chateau Royal d'Amboise, is finally finished and the building is once more accessible to the public. Although the official reopening won't be until 16 June, the scaffolding is all gone, and the public can go inside. Quite by chance, I was the first independent guide to take a group there, on Saturday 1 June. My tour group, of American men on a cycling holiday, were the lucky recipients of this treat, and happily posed in front Leonardo da Vinci's grave to commemorate their visit.
The chapel dominates the ramparts overlooking Avenue Michel Debré.
The chapel was erected and sculpted between 1491 and 1496 by Flemish artists in pure Flamboyant Gothic, out of white tuffeau limestone at the orders of Charles VIII. The chapelle initially served as Anne of Brittany's oratory, before becoming the presumed resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who died at Amboise in 1519.
The magnificent 15th century frieze depicting Saint Hubert meeting the stag, on the front of the chapel.
The frieze above the front door depicts Saint Hubert's hunt. The stained glass windows, relatively recent, follow episodes in the life of Saint Louis. The tympanum dates from the 19th century and represents Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany.
Detail of the front. I didn't realise until I looked at the photo that I'd photographed right up Saint Hubert's skirt.
Since the autumn of 2021, up until just a few days ago, the Chapelle Saint Hubert was the object of a major restoration. Decorative sculptures, carpentry, stained glass windows...in all a dozen trades worked to restore it to its former glory.
The apse.
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