Château du Clos Lucé: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
Get a glimpse into history inside of Leonardo da Vinci's final home
- Château du Clos Lucé: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
- Access to the castle and its scenic gardens
- Access to Leonardo da Vinci, Painter and Architect galleries
- Temporary exhibition (if selected)
Château du Clos Lucé Tickets and Information
- Château du Clos Lucé Address: 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400, Amboise
- Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 - 20:00
Is Château du Clos Lucé Worth Visiting
- If you enjoy visiting old buildings steeped in history, absolutely.
What Visitors See At Château du Clos Lucé
- The Castle
- The Gardens
- Galleries
- Leonardo da Vinci inventions
- Temporary exhibitions (if selected)
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About Château du Clos Lucé
Château du Clos Lucé is a beautiful chateau in Amboise and is famous because Leonardo da Vinci, the great artist and inventor, lived there for the last three years of his life.
Château du Clos Lucé was originally a fortified manor house built in the 12th century but it was later expanded and transformed into a Renaissance château and then in 1490, King Charles VIII of France purchased the estate and it became a royal residence.
King Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci to live in France in 1516 and part of his package to tempt da Vinci was Château du Clos Lucé, which he accepted! Leonardo da Vinci went on to spend the last 3 years of his life living at the Château where he worked with the king on multiple projects until his (da Vinci's) death in 1519. Da Vinci was then buried down the road in Saint Hubert Chapel which is in the grounds of the Royal Château of Amboise.
After da Vinci's death, the Royal Close du Lucé and it's estate continued to be used by the French royal family until it was sold. It went on to change hands multiple times and was owned by several noble families until it fell into disrepair in the 19th century. It was later restored and has been open to the public ever since and is now one of the area's most popular tourist attractions.
Some of da Vinci's inventions still remain on show in the chateau, including some that you can even handle, which children love doing! The chateau also offers some onsite cafe's and restaurants that visitors can enjoy.
Château du Clos Lucé is not only a beautiful chateau to visit due to it's architecture but due to it's connection to Leonardo da Vinci, making it a firm favourite in the Loire Valley.
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Château du Clos Lucé FAQs
- Do I need to book tickets in advance to visit Château du Clos Lucé?
- We always suggest booking tickets in advance, yes. It’s one of the area’s most popular attractions, so it does get busy. Booking in advance can save you time having to queue and that means more time enjoying the property!
- Is Château du Clos Lucé wheelchair accessible?
- Château du Clos Lucé is mostly wheelchair accessible, yes. There are 2 rooms that aren’t accessible for wheelchair users.
- Is Château du Clos Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci lived?
- Yes, Château du Clos Lucé was Leonardo da Vinci’s home for the last three years of his life.
- Who owns Château du Clos Lucé?
- The Saint-Bris family has owned the chateau since 1854.
- Is Leonardo da Vinci buried in France?
- Yes, Leonardo da Vinci is buried at Chateau Royal d'Amboise, as per his request in his final will.
Château du Clos Lucé
- Leonardo da Vinci's Final Residence: Château du Clos Lucé was the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. He moved there in 1516 at the invitation of King Francis I of France and lived there until his death in 1519.
- Underground Tunnel Legend: There is a legend that an underground tunnel connects Château du Clos Lucé to the nearby Château d'Amboise, allowing King Francis I to visit Leonardo da Vinci privately.
- The Mona Lisa's Home: It is believed that Leonardo da Vinci brought the famous painting, the Mona Lisa, with him to Clos Lucé. The painting was later acquired by King Francis I.
- Model Room: The château features a room filled with models of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, reconstructed based on his designs. These include flying machines, war machines, and architectural innovations.
- Beautiful Gardens: The château is surrounded by stunning gardens, known as the Parc Leonardo da Vinci. The park features giant models of Leonardo’s inventions and interactive exhibits.
- Architectural Blend: The Château du Clos Lucé showcases a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, reflecting the transition period during which it was built.
- King's Connection: The château was a gift from King Francis I to Leonardo da Vinci. The king admired Leonardo greatly and provided him with an annual pension.
- Inspiration for Gardens: The gardens of the château were inspired by Leonardo’s studies of nature. He meticulously observed and drew plants, which influenced the design of the garden.
- Museum of Leonardo's Legacy: The château now serves as a museum dedicated to the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci, showcasing his art, inventions, and writings.
- Historic Chapel: The Château du Clos Lucé has a small chapel, known as the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, where Leonardo is believed to have prayed. The chapel features frescoes that are thought to be by Leonardo's disciples.
- Miniature Bridge: A small bridge in the garden is a replica of one designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It was intended to be a movable bridge for military use.
- Preserved Frescoes: Some of the original frescoes in the château, believed to be inspired by Leonardo, have been preserved, offering a glimpse into the artistic ambiance of the time.
Useful Information About Château du Clos Lucé
Tips for visiting Château du Clos Lucé
- Book Tickets Online: As one of the area’s most popular chateaus, we suggest you book tickets online and in advance. This can save you time and allow you to spend more time enjoying the property.
- Combination Ticket: Why not combine with other Château’s and purchase one of our combination tickets giving you access to multiple. Our Loire Valley Pass gives you access to Château de Chenonceau, Château Chambord and Château du Clos Lucé, all on one ticket. Click HERE for combination ticket options.
How to get there
- Château du Clos Lucé, 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400, Amboise
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
