Does anyone have any experience in using Amboise as a base for a self-catering visit to the Loire area?
Any input welcome.
I am done. the end

DH lived in Amboise as a younger person, studying French in an immersion approach. He raves about the place.

My wife and I used Amboise as a base to explore the Loire and Cher River valleys several years ago now. It was part of a 2 month trip, so we had a leased car. We rented an apartment for 2 weeks within a short walk of the center of town. Each day we would set out to visit at least 2 chateaux. Over the 2 weeks we ranged from Sancerre to the east to Samur to the west. We also took some time to visit Tours. Amboise itself is a lovely town with a chateau of some historical significance. Would highly recommend it as a base.

It's been a while (2011) since we were there with our granddaughter but like the folks above have said, we really liked Amboise. It was easy to drive to our hotel close to the castle and easy to get to several of the nearby chateaux. It was also a very walkable town. It was perfect for what we wanted. For more detail here is my trip report and the Loire portion of our trip starts at post #80. Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley with our Granddaughter

I've only stayed across the river from Amboise at the camper stop there but we liked it.
One quirky memory of it was walking up the hill in the town and seeing a man building an aeroplane in his garage there. No idea if or how he got the thing out or if it ever flew!
Do cross the river and stroll along at sunset for a spectacular view of the chateau in the golden sunlight.

Sincere (Sancerre?--editors) thanks to all above who took the time to respond. We appreciate your useful input. Our original fall travel plans had been 'either le Marche or a long-delayed return to NYC' but then we switched to either Malta or Amboise.
Time to digest all the info and make a choice. A newfound factor is Mrs Z's strained knee--we can't choose places with too many steep stairs i.e. no Urbino after all for example.
Again, merci mes amis.
I am done. the tumble of the dice

Castles have a lot of stairs if that matters

Thanks MJ. We are definitely being selective around which daytrips have the most stairs.
Btw, those who may be Loire-bound should check out the excellent guidebook from the Paris publishers Gallimard. Really outstanding.
I am done. the end