Chateau du Clos Lucé in Amboise

Leonardo da Vinci's Arrival at Clos Lucé

In 1516, an important chapter in the history of the Clos Lucé began when Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci, granting him the title of «the king’s chief painter, engineer, and architect» as well as a generous pension. Leonardo da Vinci, attracted by this offer, moved into the Clos Lucé on September 25, 1516, bringing with him three disciples and major works, including the famous Mona Lisa.

During the three years he spent at the Clos Lucé, until his death in 1519, Leonardo da Vinci devoted himself to ambitious projects for Francis I, such as designing a palace and an ideal city in Romorantin, and organizing grand festivities at the Château d’Amboise. He also continued his research in various fields, such as painting, sculpture, architecture, and many others, leaving behind thousands of pages of notes and sketches that bear witness to his visionary spirit.

Exploring the Château du Clos Lucé Today

Architecture and major rooms in the château

The 15th-century Château du Clos Lucé boasts an elegant facade of pink brick and tufa stone. It features a square tower, a lookout, Gothic windows, two wings forming a right angle, linked by a covered gallery, and an octagonal tower containing a spiral staircase.

This castle has about fifteen rooms, including Leonardo da Vinci’s bedroom—recreated exactly as it was—where he breathed his last on May 2, 1519, and the Saint-Hubert Chapel, where the artist was first laid to rest before his remains were transferred to the Château d’Amboise. Some rooms have been converted into exhibition halls, such as the Council Chamber, where Leonardo da Vinci received Francis I, and the kitchen, equipped with period utensils.

The Château du Clos Lucé is a living testimony to the life of Leonardo da Vinci and his close relationship with the King of France.

Permanent exhibitions dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci

The Château du Clos Lucé celebrates the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci through various permanent exhibitions. The exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci’s workshops, in particular, captivates visitors with some 40 life-size models based on his sketches and notes. These creations, classified into four categories (military, civil, mechanical, and everyday life), demonstrate da Vinci’s pioneering spirit as the forerunner of the helicopter, the tank, the parachute, and the bicycle.

Another exhibition immerses visitors in da Vinci’s artistic and architectural world through projections, holograms, touchscreens, and reproductions of his major works—such as the Mona Lisa, Saint John the Baptist, and the Virgin, the Infant Jesus, and Saint Anne—as well as his unfinished or lost projects, such as the equestrian monument to Francesco Sforza and the ideal city of Romorantin. The Château du Clos Lucé thus offers an immersive and interactive experience of Leonardo da Vinci’s work, at the intersection of art, science, and technology.

The gardens of Clos Lucé: a tribute to Vinci's fascination with nature

Surrounded by a 7-hectare park, the Château du Clos Lucé offers an idyllic getaway inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. The «Leonardo da Vinci Park» invites visitors to explore and relax, highlighting da Vinci’s inventions, thoughts, and dreams.

The park displays 20 giant machines based on his designs—such as the swing bridge, the water cannon, and the mechanical bird—and features 40 audio clips from his writings, revealing his reflections on nature, humanity, art, and science.

It also features a botanical garden with more than 500 species of medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as a vegetable garden that recreates 16th-century crops. The Clos Lucé park is an enchanting place that pays tribute to Leonardo da Vinci’s visionary spirit and his love of nature.

Visit the Parc du Clos Lucé: an immersive experience

Leonardo's machines: an interactive exploration

The Clos Lucé park offers a fun space for enthusiasts and explorers, who have the opportunity to test and interact with Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions. These creations, made of wood, metal, or canvas, are authentic reproductions based on the sketches and notes of the famous Italian inventor. They showcase mechanisms that were ahead of their time, such as a drawbridge, a tank, a water cannon, a parachute, a helicopter, a bicycle, and even a mechanical bird.

The inventions are organized into four categories: military engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and life engineering, each accompanied by descriptive panels. These panels detail the scientific and technical principles employed by Leonardo da Vinci, making a visit to the park a unique experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the mind of an inventor.

The cultural walk through the park

The Clos Lucé park is also a haven of peace and culture, offering a stroll through the heart of Leonardo da Vinci’s inspirations and reflections. Dotted with 40 audio stations, the trail invites visitors to listen to excerpts from da Vinci’s writings, shedding light on his views on nature, humanity, art, and science.

This walk allows visitors to admire the splendor and richness of nature, a source of wonder and inspiration for Vinci. The park also features a botanical garden, home to more than 500 varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as a vegetable garden that recreates 16th-century crops.

The park offers a poetic and harmonious interpretation of nature, reflecting Leonardo da Vinci's sensitivity and curiosity.

Events and Workshops: Immerse Yourself in the World of Vinci

The Clos Lucé park offers events and workshops for a complete immersion in the world of Leonardo da Vinci. The «Flâneries Nocturnes,» for example, provide a unique experience of the park at night, enhanced by music, theater, and illuminations. The exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci and Fragrances in the Renaissance” explores da Vinci’s connection to scents and essences through unique olfactory creations.

The workshops, meanwhile, range from building models of da Vinci’s machines to an introduction to oil painting, as well as exploring the park’s plants and their properties. These activities, suitable for all ages, offer a fun and educational way to discover da Vinci’s genius with family or friends.

Conclusion

Le Clos Lucé presents itself as an unforgettable destination, opening the doors to the fascinating world of Leonardo da Vinci, an iconic figure of human ingenuity. As they explore the grounds of the Château du Clos Lucé, visitors have the unique opportunity to admire the artist’s innovative inventions and captivating works of art up close, as well as to visit his bedroom and chapel, fully immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the 16th century.

The Clos Lucé park rounds out this exploration by offering visitors the chance to engage in an interactive experience with the machines designed by da Vinci, listen to his insights, and recharge in the midst of an exceptional natural setting.

A top destination for lovers of history, art, and science, the Clos Lucé promises both entertainment and cultural enrichment. Don’t miss this unique opportunity: book your visit now for an unparalleled immersion in the genius of Leonardo da Vinci.

FAQ

Who owns Le Clos Lucé?

Since 1854, the Clos Lucé has belonged to the Saint Bris family, who succeeded the d’Amboise family, which had owned the estate since the 17th century. This site is dedicated to commemorating and studying the work of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last three years of his life here.

Where is Leonardo da Vinci's tomb?

Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb is located in the Saint-Hubert Chapel of the Royal Castle of Amboise, in France. However, the authenticity of the remains it contains is a matter of controversy. Vinci was originally buried in the Collegiate Church of Saint-Florentin, which was destroyed in 1808.

Which famous artist is moving into the Clos Lucé?

Leonardo da Vinci was the renowned artist who settled at Clos Lucé. Invited by King Francis I in 1516, he was appointed «the king’s chief painter, engineer, and architect» there.

Who are the three kings directly or indirectly linked to the history of the Clos Lucé?

Charles VIII, Louis XII, and Francis I are the three monarchs directly or indirectly associated with the history of the Clos Lucé, an iconic château located in Amboise, in the Loire Valley. All three rulers stayed at this location and maintained a close relationship with Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo lived there from 1516 until his death in 1519, at the invitation of Francis I.