Visiting the Loire Valley and Amboise in particular? Visit the Château du Clos Lucé! If you're interested in Leonardo da Vinci, the great Italian painter, architect, scientist and engineer born in 1452, this visit is a must. The château, long a summer residence for the kings of France, was also home to the Renaissance genius for three years, before he died in 1519. In the château, its garden and park, you'll find a showcase for Leonardo da Vinci's work in architecture and painting.
In this article, you'll find a selection of images to help you prepare for your visit and make up your own mind about this unusual château.
This review is completely independent, we visited anonymously and paid our admission in full.
Why visit the Château du Clos Lucé?
Is the Château du Clos Lucé worth it? Our opinion:
It's well worth a visit if you're interested in Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519). This Italian Renaissance genius left his mark on history with his Mona Lisa and his many inventions. We discover all the facets of his work, in every field. The tour of the castle is fairly quick, and it's worth noting that very little is original. Leonardo da Vinci's studio, for example, was designed by the Saint-Bris family, who have owned the estate since 1854. However, the course is fun, and strolling through the garden and park is very pleasant.
Why is the castle famous?
Le Clos Lucé is famous above all for its connection with Leonardo da Vinci. We were thus immersed in the last home of this Renaissance genius, who came to Amboise in 1516 at the request of the King of France, François I. He did not hesitate to accept the sovereign's invitation, as his protector in Italy, Julien de Medici, had died earlier in the year. Leonardo da Vinci was named "the king's first painter, engineer and architect".
However, his health was already fragile: he no longer painted or sculpted, suffering from paralysis of the right hand following a stroke. The last years of his life were devoted mainly to town-planning projects and organizing the king's sumptuous festivities. We found it quite fascinating to discover where this genius lived out his final moments!
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Our favorite moments
A visit to Le Clos Lucé is a rich experience that will appeal to a wide range of sensibilities. As far as we're concerned, here are our favorites:
- Leonardo da Vinci's bedroom: we found it touching to see this room, which is also richly decorated.
- In the basement, where the models are on display, we really enjoyed discovering Leonardo da Vinci's construction work. We knew him more as a painter and were impressed by all his inventions!
- The park: just like the garden, the park is very pleasant, but what we particularly liked was seeing the models we'd seen in the château's basement reproduced at actual size! It was an ideal way to realize the true proportions of these inventions.
History in brief
The Château du Clos Lucé was formerly known as the Manoir de Cloux. For many years, it was a stronghold of the Château d'Amboise, an important town in the Loire Valley. It has seen a succession of owners, and its condition has deteriorated. In 1471, it was designed according to the layout we know today: a dwelling, a square tower and, above all, a facade in the style of the period, in pink brick and tufa stone.
In 1490, the château became a summer residence for the kings of France, following Charles VIII's purchase of the estate. He lived there with his wife Anne de Bretagne until her death. The estate then passed into the hands of Charles IV, who sold it to François I's mother, Louise de Savoie.
After Leonardo da Vinci's stay, Le Clos Lucé was inhabited by various owners, notably the d'Amboise family, who redecorated it in 18th-century style. This decoration was removed by the Saint-Bris family, who acquired the estate in 1855 and opened it to the public in 1954. The château has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1862.
Virtual visit of the château on video
Watch a short video summarizing our experience at Château du Clos Lucé.
Practical tips and map: Château du Clos Lucé, Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Where is the Château du Clos Lucé?
The château is located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, at the following address: 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, (37400), Amboise.
- Driving time from Nantes: 2h40,
- Driving time from Angers: 1h40,
- Driving time from Orléans: 1h20,
- Driving time from Saumur: 1h15,
- Driving time from Blois: 40min,
- Driving time from Tours: 35min.
Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there?
To get to Amboise, you can opt for the train. There are regular connections from nearby train stations, such as Orléans (55min direct TER journey), Blois (20min) and Tours (20min). From some departure cities, such as Nantes or Paris-Montparnasse station, you'll need to make a connection at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. If you want to take a direct train from Paris, it takes 1h45 from Gare d'Austerlitz.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
From the station, it's a 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk to the castle. Some municipal buses run between the station and Amboise town center. Bicycles are also available for hire. For more information, visit the official town hall website here.
If you're looking for a 3-day train itinerary to discover the chateaux of the Loire Valley, we've put together a dedicated article for you.
You can also come directly by car, as the town is very well served by the A10 and A85 freeways. If you're planning to visit several Loire castles, we advise you to bring your own vehicle. It's the most convenient way to get from one tourist attraction to the next without wasting too much time.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking
A parking lot reserved for estate visitors is located 300m from the main entrance and opposite the secondary entrance (open from April to August, depending on traffic). Pay parking is available.
If you're visiting the Loire Valley by bike, you'll find a bicycle garage and secure lockers on site.
Best time to visit the castle
Visitor numbers at Château du Clos Lucé are high, and have been rising in recent years. In 2019, the estate welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors! If possible, we therefore advise you to visit us on weekdays, outside school vacations and public holidays. In terms of opening hours, we recommend a morning visit. The estate is very busy from 12pm to 6pm, with a peak between 2pm and 3pm.
To make sure your visit is a success, book your ticket now!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
- Discover our selection of the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
- Where to go to visit the castles of the Loire Valley - article to come
Cities and villages
- Visit the beautiful cities along the Loire River
- Stroll under the charm of the villages of the Loire Valley
- Choose from the best things to do in Nantes
Practice
Length of visit and main difficulties
To visit the château, garden, park and various buildings, we recommend you allow at least 2 hours. There are no major difficulties on the ground, although there are cobblestones in the courtyard and a staircase to access the first floor.
The basement and first floor of the château and the entire grounds are accessible to people with reduced mobility. A wheelchair is available on presentation of an ID card at reception. In the park, sound terminals reproduce Leonardo da Vinci's thoughts (English, French, Italian, German). Hearing-impaired visitors can request the texts for the audio terminals from the ticket office.
A left-luggage service is available. Dogs are welcome on the estate (carried in the château, on a leash in the park).
Advice on how to visit
We recommend starting your visit at the castle. This will allow you to plunge into Leonardo da Vinci's intimacy, to discover his inventions, before seeing some of them in real size in the château grounds. As far as we were concerned, we first visited the garden, then the galleries, and finally the rest of the park and its various buildings (dovecote...). But there's no obligation to visit! A map of the estate will help you find your way around.
The castle with children
With its playful dimension, the estate is perfectly suited to children. They'll love strolling through the garden and seeing the life-size models, which they can even handle! A visit booklet for children aged 7-12 is available at reception (in French and English).
A guided tour for 7-14 year olds is available during school vacations. Leonardo da Vinci's cook will tell you all about the life of this prodigious inventor! For more information, visit the tourist office website here.
You can also celebrate your child's birthday at the estate, with a fun tour and a treasure hunt. Visit the official Le Clos Lucé website here to find out more.
At Le Clos Lucé, you'll be able to warm up your baby's bottle, and you'll find adapted toilets (low washbasin, step stool and bowl adapter). However, to facilitate movement around the château, baby carriages are only allowed in the park. So pack a baby carrier.
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Schedules and rates
Le Clos Lucé is open every day of the year, except December 25th and January 1st.
Schedules:
- January: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- February to June and September to October: 9am-7pm
- July to August: 9am-8pm
- November to December: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please note that the ticket office and château close 1 hour before the park closes.
Rates:
- Full adult price: €18
- Children (7 to 18) and students: €12.50
- Free admission for children under 7.
- Family package 2 adults and 2/3 or 4 children: €49/€52/€54
Please note that other reduced rates (jobseekers, people with reduced mobility...) are available. Temporary exhibitions in the park's museum hall are subject to an additional charge. To find out more about all our pricing conditions, visit the official website here.
Guided tours
Le Clos Lucé offers different types of tours. Self-guided tours are available in 5 languages (French, English, Italian, Spanish, German). A 1-hour guided tour is also available, for an additional €4.50. It must be booked directly at the ticket office.
If you'd like to book your guided tour now and enjoy the other châteaux of the Loire Valley, we recommend these tours:
- Visit the châteaux of Chenonceau, Clos Lucé and Amboise with tasting, departing from Tours: see program and availability.
- Private tour of Chambord, Chenonceau and Clos Lucé from Paris: see program and availability.
- 2-day private tour from Paris (Chambord, Clos Lucé, Chenonceau, Montrichard, Chaumont-sur-Loire): see program and availability.
Catering
At Le Clos Lucé, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining:
- Crêperie, la Terrasse Renaissance: sit down at this beautiful cypress-lined terrace for lunch or a gourmet break with a breathtaking view of the château! The restaurant is open from February to November.
- La Table du Moulin: set in the park, this restaurant serves grilled meats, salads and desserts at lunchtime, as well as refreshments and delicacies throughout the day. Open from April to September.
- L'emporté: located next to the Table du Moulin, this snack bar, open only in July and August, is sure to satisfy your hunger pangs!
- L'Auberge du Prieuré: this gourmet restaurant in the park offers historic, Renaissance-inspired cuisine for lunch. The service, provided in period costume and in Old French, will be one to remember! The Auberge du Prieuré is open all year round.
If you prefer to eat off the estate, we recommend the following restaurants:
- L'Ecluse: this gourmet restaurant in the heart of Amboise offers seasonal cuisine that showcases local produce in refined presentations.
- Les Arpents: sophisticated cuisine in a warm atmosphere - that's the identity of the Michelin-starred restaurant Les Arpents.
- La Fourchette: if you have a small appetite, La Fourchette, a healthy tapas restaurant, is for you!
WHERE TO STAY IN
THE Loire Valley
Option 1: Saumur
To explore the eastern part, Saumur is the ideal city. It has a very good selection of hotels and restaurants but is not too big. You don't feel drowned in the city.
Nearby, you have the castles of Saumur, Brissac, Chinon, Montreuill-Bellay and the abbey of Fontevraud, among others.
- The Saint Pierre Hotel, a charming place in the heart of the city - See prices, photos and availability
- See the best rated accommodations in Saumur!
Option 2: Tours / Amboise
To be in the heart of the castles and close enough to the most famous ones (Chambord and Chenonceau) we recommend the big city of Tours or the smaller one of Amboise.
- Thehotel Le Charme Rabelaisien with a view on the castle of Amboise. See prices, photos and availability.
- See the best rated accommodations in Amboise.
Option 3: In a castle
One of the best experiences to have is to sleep in a castle. There are so many of them in the area that some have been transformed into hotels. It is an unforgettable experience!
- The Chateau de Chissay is very well located and offers a luxurious and historical experience. We would have liked to stay longer... See prices, photos and availability.
- See our article with our favorite castles to sleep in.
Option 4: Blois
And also, the charming city of Blois built around the Loire River. Fascinating to visit and close to Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire and Amboise.
- The magnificent and luxurious Fleurs de Loire hotel, for an unforgettable stay - See prices, photos and availability.
- See the best rated accommodations in Blois
Château du Clos-Lucé: summer residence of the kings of France
Before it became the home of Italian painter and inventor Leonardo da Vinci for 3 years, Le Clos Lucé was a summer residence for the kings of France. That's why the 1st floor houses the bedroom of Marguerite de Navarre, Queen of Navarre and mother of the future King of France Henri IV. She lived there with her husband Charles IV d'Alençon from 1509 to 1515, when the Duc d'Alençon sold the estate to his mother-in-law, Louise de Savoie. Marguerite de Navarre was the sister of François I, King of France from 1515 to 1547, and the daughter of Louise de Savoie. We found this room elegant, with its beautiful tapestries.
This room was restored in 2011, and decorated with furniture and objects from various periods and origins. Crockery, in particular covered mugs dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, caught our eye.
Don't miss the portrait of Marguerite de Navarre, painted by the king's painter, François Clouet. Admiring this painting made it easier for us to immerse ourselves in the place, and to imagine this Renaissance sovereign living there!
Anne de Bretagne's Oratory
To continue our visit, we change era and owner. We enter one of our favorite rooms on the tour: the Oratoire d'Anne de Bretagne. This room was created in 1490 by Charles VIII, the new owner of the château, which he transformed into a château d'agrément. In the past, Le Clos Lucé was more of a medieval fortress, as evidenced by the parapet walk that can still be seen today. The Oratory was dedicated to his wife Anne de Bretagne, Duchess and later Queen of France on 2 occasions in the late 15th century. She lived at Le Clos Lucé until her departure for Blois, where she died in 1514.
Take a close look at this Gothic tufa stone chapel. It is adorned with beautiful murals by the disciples of Leonardo da Vinci. Can you recognize the episodes from the Bible? You'll see the Annunciation and the Last Judgment, but what struck us most was a Virgin of Light. Located above the gate, this "Virgo Lucis" is said to have given the château its name "Clos Lucé"!
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The Council Chamber
The tour continues on the first floor, in a large room known as "La Salle du Conseil". We weren't expecting to discover a room so richly decorated with splendid tapestries and reproductions of works by Leonardo da Vinci. It was the first time a Mona Lisa had been seen outside the Louvre!
One piece of furniture, topped with a parrot, caught our eye. We really had the impression that this stuffed animal was staring at us!
La Cuisine
Still on the first floor, we then visited the kitchen. It is enhanced by a particularly massive fireplace, which we found impressive. Imagine Leonardo da Vinci seated in the center of the room, served by his servant Mathurine. In this kitchen, there are no utensils for preparing and cutting meat, but rather dishes based on fruit, seeds... Leonardo da Vinci favored vegetarian meals, considering a dietetic diet as a means of maintaining good health.
Take time to admire the tapestries on the kitchen wall. Once again, they're well worth a look!
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
In the intimacy of Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci's bedroom
Let's now turn our attention to the rooms in the tour dedicated to the Renaissance master. First, we discovered his room. Very elegant, with its four-poster bed in dark wood and bright red velvet, this room gave us a certain emotion. Leonardo da Vinci died in this room. It was also here that he drew up his will for the benefit of his disciple Francesco Melzi, who inherited his manuscripts, sketchbooks and drawings. The room overlooks the Château Royal d'Amboise, a good reminder of Leonardo da Vinci's links with King François I and his court.
We really appreciated the Renaissance cabinet in ebony and engraved ivory at the far end of the room. Her delicate ornamentation was sublime!
The "reconstruction" of the master's studio
The tour continues on the first floor, where you'll find the other rooms dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. First, we entered a reconstruction of the painter's studio. Although historians have no information on this room, and de Vinci was no longer painting when he arrived at Le Clos Lucé due to the paralysis of his right hand, the owners wanted to create this room to immerse visitors in the spirit of this creator.
It has been decorated in the atmosphere of Renaissance "Bottegas". These painters' studios were at once their place of production, commerce and training. We saw for the first time reproductions of his most famous works: The Virgin, Child Jesus and Saint Anne, and Saint John the Baptist.
What really caught our attention, however, were the sketches, which clearly show Leonardo da Vinci's style and interest in the study of movement.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The Scientific Cabinet
The immersion in the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci continues in the following rooms. This time, we discovered Leonardo da Vinci the scientist, with his study. On display are old books and facsimiles from the Institut de France, as well as models and globes.
We were stunned by the beauty of the measuring instruments!
We were then surprised by an immersive encounter with Leonardo da Vinci, with an audiovisual production showing the Renaissance genius in his study, in the form of a hologram!
Basement: Leonardo da Vinci the inventor
We were delighted with our visit to the basement! This part of the tour presents Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, which are generally less well known to visitors than his paintings (as was ours!). So it was with great curiosity and interest that we discovered all the inventions of this genius painter, whether in the field of armaments or aeronautics.
Numerous models were on display for educational purposes (bridges, tanks, multi-directional machine guns...). We even saw the first model of a car, admittedly primitive, but designed by Leonardo da Vinci!
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Jardin du Clos-Lucé: the many facets of Leonardo da Vinci
Garden and botany: sources of inspiration
After a tour of the château's basement and a visit to the boutique, you'll come across the estate's garden. The idea of this garden is to show all Leonardo da Vinci's sources of inspiration, which can be found in his paintings and codexes. You'll see trees and plants depicted in his most famous paintings, from Italian cypresses and yews to the Madonna Lily and Mona Lisa rose. Water is an important element in Leonardo da Vinci's work, which is why you'll find numerous springs and fountains.
What struck us most about this garden was its main pool, with mist evoking the painter's emblematic sfumato technique. The basin is topped by a 2-level solid oak bridge designed by the artist. We found this place very poetic!
Finally, don't miss the freestanding bridge leading to the Galeries. This bridge, also known as the "wild bridge", was designed by Leonardo da Vinci for military purposes. Thanks to its ingenious self-locking system of assembly and embedding, this bridge, using neither nails nor screws, was easily dismantled and transported. This ensured a surprise effect against the enemy, and a win-win situation.
The gallery: Leonardo da Vinci architect
In 2021, the Domaine du Clos Lucé has added a new space: the Leonardo da Vinci galleries. Located in the garden, they are housed in a rehabilitated 500m2 former industrial building. The tour begins with an introduction to Leonardo da Vinci as an architect. We learned a great deal about his work, including staircase design (like the one at Chambord). Through models and a modern scenography, we became aware of the breadth of Leonardo da Vinci's thoughts on these subjects.
Our favorite part was the section on the design of centered-plan religious buildings. Don't miss this superb manuscript with Leonardo da Vinci's drawings and architectural studies on the subject.
We're sure that, like us, you'll be able to get a real feel for it, thanks to this large-scale model based on his drawings!
The gallery: Leonardo da Vinci the painter
Part 2 features an immersive virtual show immersing us in 17 masterpieces and 200 drawings by Leonardo da Vinci! Projected on walls and ceilings, the master's works are highlighted in an unprecedented way. We felt transported into the world of this Renaissance genius, so much so that the 15-minute show seemed to fly by!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Leonardo da Vinci Park: in the footsteps of a genius
Model exhibition: weapons of war
The tour isn't over yet! After discovering the garden and galleries, we took a walk in the park. The latter is designed as an "open-air museum". Here you can admire some forty translucent canvases, representing elements from various works by Leonardo da Vinci. The tour is punctuated by sound terminals, where Jean Piat, a member of the Comédie Française, recounts the Italian master's thoughts.
The park's main attraction is its twenty or so giant interactive models. These were built according to Leonardo da Vinci's sketches. Most are on display in the château or in the galleries, in reduced size. Can you find their life-size duplicates? We found the tour very entertaining, and were able to see again the military models we'd seen in the château's basement. Here, for example, is an impressive tank.
Model exhibition: civil constructions
In addition to armaments-related models (tanks, machine guns, bridges, etc.), we saw civil engineering models. For example, a large wheel, known as the "squirrel wheel", has existed since antiquity, but was adopted by Leonardo da Vinci in the design of his cranes and excavating machines. He had seen them in operation in his youth, during the construction of the Duomo in Florence.
Last but not least, we must mention Leonardo da Vinci's iconic construction, the flying propeller! It reveals the Italian master's knowledge of aerodynamics and is considered today as a precursor to the helicopter.
The other buildings: the museum hall, the dovecote and the priory
As you stroll through the park, you'll come across other buildings. First of all, you'll see a beautiful 15th-century manor house. This is Le Prieuré, which houses the estate's gourmet restaurant, L'Auberge du Prieuré. Next, you'll come across a former industrial hall, the museum hall. It currently houses the estate's temporary exhibitions, which are accessible in addition to the entrance ticket.
Finally, next to the Priory, you can visit a magnificent 15th-century dovecote. Don't hesitate to come in, we found the ceiling impressive, with its brick and tufa.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
- Discover our selection of the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
- Where to go to visit the castles of the Loire Valley - article to come
Cities and villages
- Visit the beautiful cities along the Loire River
- Stroll under the charm of the villages of the Loire Valley
- Choose from the best things to do in Nantes
Practice
Frequently asked questions
Are photos allowed inside the château?
Photos are permitted throughout the estate.
Are there any special events or temporary exhibitions at the château?
Temporary exhibitions are regularly organized at Le Clos Lucé. Added to this are the events that punctuate the year. These include the "Flâneries nocturnes", which feature live entertainment by candlelight throughout the estate. This event takes place in August, while at the end of September Le Clos Lucé hosts the Festival Européen de Musique Renaissance. To find out more, visit the official website here.
Can we organize private events or weddings at Château du Clos-Lucé?
The different areas of the estate are available for private events, such as business seminars or weddings. For more information, visit the official website here.
What other tourist attractions are located near Château du Clos-Lucé?
Located between Tours and Blois, Amboise is an ideal base for visiting the Loire Valley and its châteaux. Start by visiting the Château d'Amboise, just 10 minutes from Le Clos Lucé, and don't miss the Château de Chenonceau, 20 minutes away by car! To find out more about the châteaux of the Loire Valley, read our article on the region's most beautiful châteaux!
SHE MADE THE TRIP
Claire
