At the invitation of Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci came to live at the Château du Clos Lucé and stayed here for the last three years of his life, devoting himself to perfecting his inventions. Leonardo was prolific and inspired, working as an engineer, architect and theatrical director, organising lavish festivities for the Court. At his residence 300 metres from the Château Royal, he drew up plans for a model château for Francis I in Romorantin and designed the double-helix open staircase in the Château de Chambord.The Château du Clos Lucé is dedicated to showing and explaining to the public the great knowledge acquired by the Italian Maestro.

With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river.

The most Italian Chateau in the Loire Valley ! The Royal Estate of Chateau Gaillard is a 15 hectares paradise of greenery located in the heart of the city of Amboise. It is the forgotten Paradise of the Renaissance in Touraine. On his return from Italy in 1496, young King Charles VIII fell in love with Italian cities and palaces and decided to recreate a "Paradise on Earth" at Chateau Gaillard in Amboise. In order to fulfill this dream, he convinced 22 Italian artists to come back with him to Amboise. Dom Pacello, the most famous gardener in 1500 in Europe, was leading the team. He planted the first gardens of the French Renaissance at Chateau Gaillard and acclimated the first orange trees in France. After 5 years of intensive restoration carried out by 50 artisans and craftsmen from the Loire Valley the castle is now open to the public. A diving into a marvelous story and fascinating unknown treasures such as a collection of 250 citrus & an ARCIMBOLDO bust (Free Car Park 99)

You've seen your share of castles, villas and chateaux. Now see them again: this park contains over 40 miniature models of the country's most famous chateaux.

Visit Amboise, Loire Valley. Home to the French Renaissance Kings, land of castles and great food. Discover Leonardo da Vinci's last home at Chateau Clos Lucé and visit his tomb at the Royal Chateau Amboise. Cycling trails, boat tours on Unesco-listed river Loire, beautiful pedestrian streets in the old town... A great vacation awaits in Amboise, France ! Pay us a visit at the Tourist Office! We'll be happy to share our best travel tips with you and you will benefit from our great ticketing offers, with reduced rates on all the Loire chateaus ;-)