Chateau du Clos Lucé
When Francis I issued an invite to Leonardo da Vinci he travelled to France by donkey – carrying the Mona Lisa painting - and headed over the alps to the Loire Valley. He spent the rest of his life at the Chateau du Clos Lucé working on engineering and architectural projects, completing the Mona Lisa, scribbling his notes and inspiring the King. The chateau du Clos Lucé was joined by a secret underground passage to the nearby Chateau d'Amboise where Francis 1 lived and Leonardo would scuttle along it to meet with his patron. Francis was very fond of the Italian architect, painter, philosopher, engineer, botanist, poet, musician, writer and more.
Leonardo died at the chateau on May 2, 1519 – his work having changed the world.
Visit the castle today and discover an atmospheric museum, restored and furnished in Renaissance style. It’s very easy to imagine the great man living and working there. In what was his bedroom Minette the cat sleeps on the bed, in his workshop and study, notes, paintings, an easel, the tools of his trade are laid out. There is a fabulous 3D film and models of some of his most incredible projects.
Read more about the Chateau du Clos Lucé
The 15 acre park contains more amazing models of the great man’s inventions. The trees are hung with huge translucent representations of his paintings and sayings, they seem to float. It’s romantic, ethereal and beautifully done.
Read more about the gardens of Clos Luce here.
As well as a charming creperie and snack style restaurant the Auberge du Prieuré restaurant in a former 16th century house serves typical French Renaissance dishes.
What’s on 2019: The Last Supper tapestry based on Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco will be presented, the first time it has been shown outside of Italy together with artworks from international museums. Woven for Louise of Savoy mother of Francis before 1514. In 1533, Francis gave it to Pope Clement VII on the occasion of the marriage of his son Henri II and the Pope’s niece, Catherine de’ Medici.
www.vinci-closluce.com
Leonardo da Vinci 1452-1519