Touraine: Château D’Amboise and Château Du Clos Lucé Tour

The Touraine region of France is home to a fascinating juxtaposition of royal history and artistic genius. Château D’Amboise, once a prestigious royal residence, and Château Du Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, offer visitors a unique glimpse into the intertwined legacies of French monarchy and the Renaissance master. Through a guided tour, one can uncover the enchanting stories that permeate these historic sites, uncovering a captivating narrative that extends far beyond the walls of these iconic châteaux.

Key Points

• This tour explores the historic Château D’Amboise and Château Du Clos Lucé, both associated with the legendary Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci.
• Château D’Amboise was a former French royal residence that houses the Chapel of St. Hubert, where da Vinci’s tomb is located.
• Château Du Clos Lucé was da Vinci’s last residence, showcasing his inventions, models, and personal living spaces.
• The tour offers an immersive experience into da Vinci’s genius, with interactive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations of his groundbreaking creations.
• The tour is priced at $333.13 for groups of up to 4 participants, with a duration of 3-6 hours and a live French-speaking guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Château D’amboise: a Royal Residence

The Château d’Amboise, a former residence of French kings, boasts a rich history spanning the 15th and 16th centuries.

Becoming part of the French crown in 1431, it was home to Louis XI, Charles VIII, Louis XII, and François 1er.

The château’s architecture reflects the transition from medieval to Renaissance styles.

Its chapel, the Chapel of St. Hubert, houses the tomb of the renowned Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last three years of his life in nearby Château du Clos Lucé at the invitation of François 1er.

The Château d’Amboise stands as a testament to France’s storied past.

The Chapel of St. Hubert: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Final Resting Place

Within the Château d’Amboise stands the Chapel of St. Hubert, a renowned architectural gem that houses the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci.

This Gothic-style chapel, built in the 15th century, is a must-see for visitors:

1. The chapel’s exquisite stonework and stained-glass windows create a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

2. Da Vinci’s simple, yet elegant tomb is a poignant reminder of the artist’s lasting legacy.

3. Visitors can pay their respects to the legendary Renaissance master and reflect on his extraordinary contributions to art, science, and philosophy.

Château Du Clos Lucé: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Home

After touring the historic Château d’Amboise, visitors can journey to the nearby Château du Clos Lucé, which was the residence of the legendary Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci for the last three years of his life. There, they’ll discover da Vinci’s genius firsthand, from his intricate furnishings and decorations to his remarkable inventions and models. The park has been transformed into an interactive playground, allowing visitors to engage with da Vinci’s pioneering ideas. A deeper dive into his legacy is revealed through this immersive experience at his final home.

| | |

|—|—|

| Château du Clos Lucé | Leonardo da Vinci’s Residence |

| Duration of Stay | 3 Years |

| Invited by | François 1er |

| Furnishings | Decorations, Inventions, Models |

| Park | Interactive Playground |

Exploring Da Vinci’s Genius

Visitors exploring Château du Clos Lucé are immersed in the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, surrounded by his remarkable furnishings, decorations, inventions, and models.

The park has been transformed into a play area, allowing visitors to interact with da Vinci’s creations. Highlights include:

1. Experiencing da Vinci’s personal living quarters and workspace.

2. Viewing reproductions of his iconic inventions, such as the helicopter, tank, and bridge designs.

3. Engaging with interactive exhibits that bring his innovative mind to life.

Through this immersive experience, guests gain a deeper appreciation for da Vinci’s boundless creativity and enduring legacy.

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Interacting With Da Vinci’s Inventions

The park at Château du Clos Lucé allows visitors to interactively engage with reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic inventions.

Guests can operate scale models of da Vinci’s designs, from his flying machine to water pumps and pulleys. Hands-on exhibits bring the Renaissance polymath’s genius to life, inviting exploration and experimentation.

Visitors delight in pedaling a bicycle-like contraption, testing the mechanics of a catapult, or maneuvering a robotic arm.

This outdoor museum showcases da Vinci’s boundless creativity and foresight, offering an immersive experience that sparks the imagination of all ages.

Tour Details and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a chance to explore two renowned châteaux in the Touraine region.

Priced from $333.13 per group (up to 4 participants), the tour lasts 3-6 hours with a live French-speaking guide. The group size is limited to 4 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

This tour offers a personalized 3-6 hour experience with a French-speaking guide, for a group of up to 4 people at $333.13.

Key features include:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

2. Availability check for starting times to accommodate schedules.

3. Option to reserve a spot without immediate payment.

With an overall 5/5 rating, this tour caters to a variety of travelers, from couples to families, making it a must-see for those interested in French history and the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci.

Traveler Suitability and Feedback

Many travelers have found this tour to be a versatile option, suitable for a range of group dynamics.

Couples, friends, solo travelers, and families can all enjoy the historical depth and interactive components.

With a 5/5 overall rating based on one review, the tour has impressed visitors.

The small group size of up to 4 participants allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.

The ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund further enhances the flexibility and appeal of this tour in Touraine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photos Inside the Châteaux?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the châteaux, though some restrictions may apply to certain areas like the Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb in the Chapel of St. Hubert. It’s best to check with staff on-site for any specific photo policies.

Is There Wheelchair Accessibility Throughout the Tour?

The tour provides good wheelchair accessibility throughout, with ramps and elevators available at both châteaux. Visitors with mobility needs can fully experience the historic sites and da Vinci’s inventions during the tour.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Audio Guides?

No, audio guides are not required for this tour. The tour includes a live French-speaking guide who will provide commentary and information throughout the experience at Château d’Amboise and Château du Clos Lucé.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. According to the overview, the tour lasts 3-6 hours, so customers can choose to extend the tour time within this range based on their preferences and needs.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator encourages bringing snacks and beverages to enjoy during the self-guided portions of the experience at the châteaux.

The Sum Up

The Château D’Amboise and Château Du Clos Lucé Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the Touraine region and the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors can enjoy the stunning architecture and interactive exhibits, learning about the influential figures who shaped this captivating part of France. Whether visiting as a group or individually, this tour provides a memorable and educational experience for travelers seeking to explore the past.

You can check availability for your dates here: