Château du Clos Lucé

Castle in Amboise

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Thesupermat

The Château du Clos Lucé is not just a historic home—it is a deeply personal tribute to Leonardo da Vinci’s genius and his final years in France. Located just 400 meters from the Château Royal d’Amboise, this smaller residence was offered to Leonardo in 1516 by King Francis I, who admired the artist’s vision and intellect. Leonardo spent the last three years of his life here, bringing with him several masterpieces from Italy, including the now-famous Mona Lisa. The château itself is elegant and compact, with a warm, residential feel that sets it apart from the more grandiose royal estates.

Inside, visitors can explore a series of rooms carefully restored to reflect da Vinci’s time, including his bedroom, study, and workshop. These spaces are filled with period furnishings, personal effects, and reproductions of his notebooks and sketches. The experience is immersive and humanizing—it’s not just about viewing artifacts but understanding how Leonardo lived and worked. The basement features models of his inventions, offering insight into his wide-ranging curiosity, from hydraulics to flight.

What sets Clos Lucé apart is its integration of art, science, and nature. The château’s park is a highlight in itself, where full-scale models of Leonardo’s machines are scattered along wooded pathways and water features. Visitors can interact with his designs—spinning bridges, paddleboats, and flying devices—within a peaceful, natural setting that mirrors the spirit of his work. For families, artists, and the intellectually curious, Clos Lucé is more than a château—it’s a tribute to imagination and innovation.

The Château du Clos Lucé appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amboise!

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