While Italy proudly claims Leonardo da Vinci as a native son, France holds a profound and perhaps less celebrated chapter of the Renaissance master's life. The genius spent his final years in the French countryside, and his legacy is meticulously preserved in the picturesque Loire Valley town of Amboise.
The French Sanctuary of a Renaissance Genius
Born in 1452 near the Tuscan hill town of Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci honed his craft in Florence and Milan, creating timeless works like The Last Supper. However, in 1516, at the age of 64, he accepted an invitation from King François I of France. The monarch, who had already purchased the Mona Lisa, appointed Leonardo as "the king's first painter, engineer and architect."
Leonardo took up residence at the Chateau du Clos Lucé in Amboise, a elegant manor house of pink brick and tufa stone. Here, he lived out the last three years of his life, surrounded by students and working on ambitious projects for the royal court until his death in 1519.
Inside the Last Home of Da Vinci
A visit to Clos Lucé is a journey into the mind of a polymath. Visitors can walk through rooms adorned with Renaissance-era furniture, including the bedchamber where Leonardo took his last breath. Downstairs, his study and workshops have been reconstructed, filled with easels, curiosities, and even an audiovisual projection of the master himself.
The most captivating exhibits are the physical models and 3D animations of machines built from Leonardo's original sketches. These bring to life inventions that were centuries ahead of their time, including:
- Tanks and machine guns
- Prototypes for automobiles and flying machines
- The aerial screw, a precursor to the helicopter
The experience extends outdoors into the property's sprawling gardens and English-style woodland park. Here, visitors encounter full-scale models, like a 20-metre-high double-span bridge built from his designs, and stroll beneath banners featuring the Mona Lisa and the Vitruvian Man.
A Lasting Legacy in Stone and Spirit
Just a ten-minute stroll from Clos Lucé, the grand Chateau d'Amboise dominates the town's skyline. Within its grounds, in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, lies Leonardo da Vinci's tomb. Local legend speaks of a hidden tunnel connecting the two residences, allowing for secret meetings between the king and his esteemed guest.
Leonardo's influence is also etched into one of the Loire Valley's most magnificent castles. Many historians believe he designed the ingenious double helix staircase at the Chateau de Chambord, construction of which began in 1519, the year of his death. This architectural marvel remains a highlight for visitors exploring the region's chateau country.
For travellers, the Loire Valley offers a unique opportunity to connect with da Vinci's final creative period. Whether visiting independently or as part of a guided tour like Albatross Tours' 19-day La Grande France itinerary, Amboise provides a profound glimpse into the enduring genius of history's ultimate Renaissance man.
Fact File: Albatross Tours' 19-day La Grande France tour has departures from Paris in May, June, August, and September, priced from $15,887 per person twin share. Independent entry to Chateau du Clos Lucé costs €19.50 for adults and is open year-round except for December 25 and January 1.
