chateau clos luce

The Château du Clos Lucé, located 500 metres from the Chateau d'Amboise, was built in the mid 15 th century during The Renaissance, and has an extensive royal history. Originally occupied by Charles VIII, and later Francois I, the chateau itself is most widely recognised as the manor house where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the remaining three years of his life.

In 1516, upon the invitation of Francois I, Leonardo Da Vinci came to Amboise to contribute to the royal court and be the first painter, architect and engineer to the king. Francois I settled Da Vinci in the Clos Lucé where he lived until his death in 1519. Whilst living in Amboise Da Vinci continued his artistic practice and scientific explorations; and it is believed that, whilst under the king's service, Da Vinci designed the Chateau de Chambord .

Today the Chateau du Clos Lucé provides a superb insight into the life and avant-garde works of Leonardo Da Vinci. The use of visual and sound effects leads visitors into this historical world. On display are 40 models of his remarkable inventions (such as a parachute, a tank, a helicopter and the first automobile) and large images and videos, reflecting the many brilliant facets of Da Vinci in the fields of art, architecture, science and engineering. Da Vinci's bedroom, workshop, and kitchen can be visited by the public, as well as a small chapel built by Charles VIII for Anne of Brittany.

Children can discover the rich and intriguing history of the Clos Lucé by completing a quiz sheet, which takes them to all the corners of the chateau grounds in pursuit fo the answers . This program, also supported by the Chateau of Amboise, Chateau Villandry and Chateau Chenonceau, provides a fun alternative for children to discover the history of the site and be rewarded with a small gift at the end.

RiverLoire includes the visit of the chateau of Clos luce in most of our tours such as our Loire Valley family tours,  Fully Guided Loire Valley Tours or Self Guided Loire Valley Tours.

Website of the chateau : Le Clos lucé