Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise

The mysterious Leonardo da Vinci, painter of the Mona Lisa - la Joconde exposed in the Louvre, Paris - lived and worked in Amboise from 1516 until his death in 1519.

He resided at the edge of Amboise in the Manor of the Clos Luce, a Renaissance house nowadays filled with its work and miniature inventions. The tour will take you on a journey through his brilliant mind and impressive work such as the fabulous flying machine...ancestor of the helicopter.

 Leonardo Da Vinci genius

Leonardo Da Vinci drawings

 

King Francis Ist & Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise

From le Clos Lucé you can easily walk to Amboise city. There is a secret underground way between Amboise castle and the Clos Lucé so King Francis Ist could meet his “father” Leonardo whenever he wished to. It is also believed that they were so closed that King Francis Ist was holding Leonardo Da Vinci in his arms when he died. This event was painted by another famous artist: Ingres.

Francis Ist and Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo dying in King François 1st arms by Ingres (1780-1897) - ©Petit Palais - Roger Viollet

 

Amboise was the home of Leonardo Da Vinci during its last years of life, under the protection of King Francois 1st who loved Renaissance Italian art. It was actually, Da Vinci’s only home: During all his life in Italy he lived from a place to another to work for local landlords – he never owned his house until he arrived to Amboise.

Good thing that le Clos Lucé was not mentioned in Da Vinci Code: the site is not too crowded and you can really enjoy the manor itself and a beautiful park around it...where you can walk on Leonardo Da Vinci footsteps and try to imagine what was going on in his genius mind.

From Amboise, you are perfectly located to explore the Loire Valley area

Check out some Loire Valley itineraries including Amboise : 

Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 3830
Region
in Loire Valley & Bordeaux

Uncover every hideaway and detail of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux UNESCO heritage sites. Taste typical regional fo od at your hosts’ table and stay at Bed & Breakfasts with unique atmospheres .

Heritage & History
Towns & Villages
Duration
26 days
Price
US$ 7580
Region
in Paris, Loire Valley & Normandy

This itinerary will take you to three of the culturally richest regions of France, at a relaxed pace and away from the beaten tracks. We recommend flying into and out of Paris for this itinerary.

Wine Tasting
Heritage & History
Duration
16 days
Price
US$ 4980
Region
in Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Dordogne & Provence

France Just For You has organized its own very special Tour de France. No need for a bike but be ready for a great deal of adventure! This itinerary will take you off the beaten path to all the must sees & dos in four of the most enthralling regions of France.

Wine Tasting
Towns & Villages
Gourmet Food

France Just For You is rewarded with the 2023 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

We keep working hard for our travelers to have the best experience in France.

Our Travelers’ Reviews

John
In May we travelled to France for our second trip with Emilie and France Just For You, and it was just as wonderful as our first adventure! Emilie's planning is so thorough and detailed that not a thing is left to chance. The B and B's were lovely and the hosts delightful; the routes were carefully planned to give us a complete taste of Southern …
Leslie
There are not enough superlatives for our experience with Emilie. Prompt correspondence and thorough questions led to the perfect vacation for my family. Her choice of hotels in Paris and Provence were exactly what I would have chosen on my own. Her tour guide recommendations were spot on. The fact that she arranged all of our transfers, train …
Deirdre
My husband and I spent one week visiting Normandy and the Loire Valley on a trip planned by France Just For You. The trip was amazing....We stayed in beautiful accomodations,had the BEST private guides,utilized many suggested itineraries---and all while keeping within our budget! For anyone who does not have the time or inclination to plan a trip …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Karen & Tony
From Australia
In Villandry Gardens, in the Loire Valley
Karen, Theresa, Mike & Bill
From the US
Dinner with view...
The Loo Family
From Malaysia
At the breakfast table in the Loire Valley
Carol from the US
Biking in the Luberon
Nancy, Don, Jane & Ron
from Canada
In Honfleur, Normandy
Georgia & Matt from Australia
Cooking fresh stawberries from Carpentras in Provence
Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Kathie, Brian, Joan & Richard
from the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny
Trea & Anna
From the US
In a little town in Provence
Ginette, Craig, Bev & Dan again
from the US
Having breakfast on their private terrace near Aix en Provence
Beverley & John
from Canada
In front of the Louvre pyramid in Paris
Rory
From the US
Enjoying a croissant at the B&B in Burgundy