The homes of Leonardo da Vinci
Amboise and Le Clos Lucé are closely linked, and Leonardo da Vinci has a lot to do with it. Amboise is located in Indre-et-Loire on the banks of the Loire, between Tours and Blois. It is famous for its château and Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci.
Amboise Castle
The Château d'Amboise offers a unique panoramic view of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a major Renaissance building. It is open to the public every day and offers various types of visit: individual, group and audio-visit tours. A visit to the Château d'Amboise gives access to the Royal Lodgings, the splendid gardens, the underground passageways and Leonardo da Vinci's tomb in the Chapel of Saint*Hubert.
Le Clos Lucé
Le Clos Lucé was formerly known (until 1660) as the Manoir du Cloux. In 1516, Francis I, a visionary patron of the arts, welcomed Leonardo da Vinci and some of his works, including the Mona Lisa. Shortly afterwards, Leonardo became "the king's first painter, engineer and architect". He developed his inventions here before dying in 1519.
Le Clos Lucé is the private property of the Saint-Bris family. This monument has been patiently restored for over 30 years. The residence is open to the public all year round, except on 25 December and 1 January.
You can discover the landscaped tour of the Clos, the dovecote, the "Leonardo da Vinci and France" exhibition, two video shows and 3D animations.
