Château du Clos Lucé
The red-brick manor where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked during the last three years of his life. Its garden displays large mechanical models recreated from his manuscripts.
In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci, then over sixty, came to Amboise at the invitation of Francis I, bringing paintings including the Mona Lisa over the Alps. The king gave him this manor of red brick and white stone to live in, and he remained here until his death in May 1519. The manor has been restored to show his bedroom, studio, kitchen and small chapel. The underground exhibition hall displays more than 40 mechanical models based on his manuscripts, such as flying machines, tanks, swing bridges and gear systems. Legend has it that a tunnel once connected to the Château d'Amboise. Behind the manor, the Leonardo da Vinci Park covers about 7 hectares. Among the trees are large mechanical replicas you can operate by hand, along with display boards on his painting and scientific ideas, making it ideal for children. Adult tickets cost about 19–20 euros. It is open year-round, roughly 09:00–19:00 in summer and 10:00–18:00 in winter. The grounds have a Renaissance-themed restaurant. Getting there: it is about an 8-minute walk down the slope from Château d'Amboise.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00/10:00–18:00/19:00 (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Château d'Amboise
- Pagode de Chanteloup
- Château de Chenonceau
- Vouvray
- Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
- Royal City of Loches
- Tours Cathedral
- Tours Old Town