The Château of le Clos Lucé - the Leonardo da Vinci park

History of the château
Private world of Leonardo
Auberge du Prieuré
Leonardo's garden
Events
FAQ

The Château of le Clos Lucé – the Leonardo da Vinci park: in the private world of the master

In Amboise, the Château of Le Clos Lucé invites you to discover the workings of one of the greatest minds of all time. A former leisure residence of the kings of France, the château was also and above all the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. You won’t be able to resist the charm of this red brick building and the magnificent Leonardo da Vinci woodland park! Come and walk in the footsteps of the Italian genius during a thrilling visit.

The Château of le Clos Lucé: a fascinating history

Owned by the Saint Bris family since 1854, the Château of Le Clos Lucé was restored to its Renaissance glory after major renovation work. Today, the decor will plunge you into the private world of Leonardo da Vinci. The visit begins in the Watch Tower which, along with the Dovecote, is a legacy of the medieval period. In 1490, the estate was bought by Charles VIII who used it as a leisure residence. A few years later, the future King Francis I spent part of his childhood here.

Vue sur la façade du chateau du Clos Lucé — Chateau du Clos Lucé
Château du Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo Da Vinci – Photo Eric Sander

Leonardo da Vinci moved into the Château of Le Clos Lucé in 1516 at the age of 64, after crossing the Alps on a mule. He was invited by Francis I, who was impressed by the Italian master’s mind and talent and appointed him “First Painter, Engineer and Architect to the King”. The Château of Le Clos Lucé was no random choice, since Francis I lived just a short distance away in the Royal Château of Amboise.
A painter, inventor, engineer, scientist, sculptor and botanist, Leonardo da Vinci spent three years working on the many subjects that fascinated him in this exceptional Loire Valley setting. He died in his bedroom in the spring of 1519, leaving behind a unique legacy that continues to enchant and inspire.

Visiting the château of le Clos Lucé

Step into the private world of Leonardo da Vinci

Vue sur la chambre de Léonard de Vinci — Château du Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo Da Vinci – Photo Eric Sander

As soon as you arrive at the Château of Le Clos Lucé, you will be seduced by the elegance of this Renaissance house adorned with red bricks and tuffeau stone. Inside, you will be immersed in the private world of Leonardo da Vinci. In his bedroom, you can just picture the Italian master looking out of the window at the Royal Château of Amboise, while in the large Renaissance room, you can almost hear him in conversation with the many prestigious guests he received!

L. de Serres – Château du Clos Lucé-Parc Leonardo Da Vinci

On the ground floor, Leonardo da Vinci’s studios have been fully recreated. Examine the content of cabinet of curiosities and imagine the studious atmosphere in which he worked!

Renaissance dining at the Auberge du Prieuré

Why not continue your discovery of the Renaissance lifestyle with a period meal? To taste the flavours of yesteryear, take a seat in the Auberge du Prieuré, located in the park of the Château of Le Clos Lucé. This sensory experience begins with the authentic decor of the 15th-century Priory, where the staff will greet you in period costume and speak in old French! On the terrace or in front of the fire, savour the unique recipes of emeritus chef and consultant in historic cooking Sieur Sausin.

Walk in the Leonardo da Vinci park and Leonardo’s garden

Image du pont de la Corne d'or et d'une peinture de la Joconde en grand format au milieu du parc — Château du Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo Da Vinci – Photo Eric Sander

Set in an English-style garden, the Leonardo da Vinci Park features a cultural trail with life-size machines based on the master’s sketches. Have fun, experiment and discover new things as you climb aboard the armoured tank, work the aerial screw or cross the revolving bridge! As you explore, let yourself be guided by the voice of actor Jean Piat as he reveals the thoughts of Leonardo da Vinci.

Designed to celebrate the botanical genius of Leonardo da Vinci, Leonardo’s Garden was the fruit of two years of research based on a scientific corpus of all his works in connection with nature. A living and open-air museum, it offers a fascinating insight into the fertile mind of the savant!

Oeuvre d'art dans le parc G-de-Benci, posée au milieu d'arbres — Château du Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo Da Vinci – Photo Eric Sander

FAQ

Are there activities for children at the Château of Le Clos Lucé?

Yes! There is a free games booklet for children aged 7 to 12 at the Château of Le Clos Lucé. The “Carnet de l’Inventeur” (The Inventor’s Notebook) allows them to discover Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions in a fun way throughout the visit.