Château du Clos Lucé

Learn about the history of Leonardo da Vinci and his masterpieces (including the Mona Lisa) during his time in France at the Château du Clos Lucé. Invited by King Francis 1st of France, Leonardo da Vinci left Italy and took up residence at the Château du Clos Luce in the autumn of 1516. Appointed "first painter, engineer and architect to the King", Da Vinci served the monarch with his talents, working tirelessly on numerous projects and imagining plans for the "ideal château". With this admission ticket, you will receive access to both the castle and park. The visit will begin in the bedroom of Leonardo da Vinci, the site where Leonardo died in 1519 at the age of 67. From the window, you can see the Saint Hubert Chapel at the Royal Castle of Amboise, which is the burial place of Da Vinci. Whilst in the Leonardo da Vinci Park, you will learn about the artistic creations and major inventions of the artist. You will enter the imaginary world of Da Vinci, seeing the world as he did in these unique grounds. In the Galleries Leonardo da Vinci, painter and architect, An immersive tour will introduce visitors to the full body of Leonardo da Vinci’s painted works. The virtual gallery will screen an animated display of 17 Leonardo da Vinci masterpieces combined with his drawings. In the upper gallery, an educational and fun tour presents the works of Leonardo da Vinci as a civil, religious and militay architech, urban planner and director of epemeral shows.

07:30 Meeting at Opera Garnier Steps or Pick-up from Your hotel if option booked. There are 180 km to drive on highway by our comfortable air conditioned Mercedes minivan to reach the first Castle Chambord. It takes about 2,5 hours with one stop made at the rest area. The Guide will give You general Information about the French history connected to the Castles of Loire Valley. 10:00 - 11:30 Arrival at the Loire Valley at Château de Chambord 10:00 - 11:30 Visit of Chateaux Chambord. The Guide will tell You the history of the Castle and its construction. The Château de Chambord is one of the most popular castles because of its French Renaissance architecture. The building was constructed (1519–1547) by Francis I (Francois 1-er) and is nowadays the biggest castle with its 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases. The castle is also known because of its open double-spiral staircase. The two spirals ascend the three floors without ever meeting. Leonardo da Vinci may have designed the staircase. 11:30 Departure to the Wine Tasting. There is 1 hour drive (60 km) 12:30 - 14:30 Wine Tasting and Lunch time 12:30 - 13:15 Wine Tasting of minimum 5 wines at a local family vinery existing since many centuries. You will learn how wines have been making for centuries and have afterwords the wine tasting of local wines with explanations. 13:15 - 14:30 Time for Lunch in Amboise city where You'll find many restaurants and cafes. We can as well recommend You or make a table reservation at a good restaurant. 14:30 to 15:40 Skip-the-line access to Chateau of Leonardo da Vinci Clos Luce. The Château du Clos Lucé is a castle located just 400 meters away from Château Royal d'Amboise to which it is connected by an underground passageway. The palace belonged once to Leonardo da Vinci who lived there at the invitation of Francis I from 1516 until his death on 2 May 1519. Today it is a museum about Leonardo da Vinci's life, work and memory. Clos Luce is of top 100 extraordinary destinations to explore 2021 by Time magazine. 15:40 Departure to the Chenonceau castle which is located just 20 minutes drive. 16:00 - 17:30 Visit of Château de Chenonceau and its Gardens 16:00 to 17:30 Skip-the-line access to the Chateau Chenonceau and its Gardens. The Guide will tell You the history of the Castle and its construction. You will get as well the brochure with explanations of each room. Chenonceau nicknamed the "ladies’ castle" is remarkable for its feminine history of famous women of France such as Catherine de Medici as well as for its stunning architecture as well as unique aches over the River Cher. The Renaissance-style gardens Gardens of Chenonceau with their more than 130,000 flowerings plants will impress You as well. Attn. In low season we depart at 5:10 pm and in high season at 5:30 due to the opening hours of the Castle. Departure to Paris. It takes about 3 to 3,5 hours (245 km). 20:30 to 21:00 Coming back to Paris and Drop off at Your hotel

Get picked up in the morning before driving to the Loire Valley and start your day touring the Château de Chenonceau. The Chateau des Dames bridge built across the Cher is famous for the great heroines who lived there (Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis) and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens. Next, head to the Royal City of Amboise for a lunch in the city center. Discover this charming town, built along the River Loire, considered as the Old Capital of the Loire Vally and where Da Vinci spent his last three years. Continue to Chambord for a guided tour of the chateau built by François 1st. Admire the fine details of the largest chateau in the Loire Valley, including a double helix staircase by Da Vinci. End your day by being dropped off in Tours at 6 PM or in Amboise at 6:30 PM.

Drive through the beautiful French countryside to discover Middle Age and Gothic-inspired architecture, and learn the intriguing history of Normandy and France from an expert guide. Cross to the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel, and soak up the refinement of prestigious Loire Valley castles, such as the vast royal Château de Chambord. Day 1 (Friday): Traveling by luxury air-conditioned coach, depart Paris via the western districts and take the Normandy motorway as far as Mont Saint-Michel. Arriving at approximately midday, stop for lunch at the 4-star Relais Saint Michel, offering fantastic views across to the island. After lunch, ascend to the Abbey on the summit of the mount for a guided visit of its Gothic and Romanesque interior. Enjoy some time at leisure exploring the narrow, hilly streets before your departure for Angers, cradle of the Plantagenet dynasty, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Hotel Mercure Lac de Maine (or similar accommodation). Day 2 (Saturday): After a hearty breakfast, drive to Langeais, passing Cunault and Saumur en route. Driving by vineyards, enjoy views of romantic castles on the horizon. Arrive at Château de Langeais to explore one of the best-known examples of late medieval architecture. Continue with a guided visit of Clos-Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's last dwelling place. Stroll through the stunnning gardens of Villandry, and visit the old historic district of Tours on the lower reaches of the Loire. An evening meal will be served at your overnight stop in Tours at the Hotel Mercure. Day 3 (Sunday): Take a guide tour of the Château de Chenonceau, built on the site of an old mill across the River Cher. Continue to the decorative Château de Cheverny, used by Tintin creator, Hergé as the inspiration for his fictional Château de Moulinsart. After lunch at the Hotel Saint-Hubert, go to the Château de Chambord to explore the largest and most imposing castle in the Loire Valley. Admire the distinctive French Renaissance architecture, which blends impressively with traditional medieval forms.

Escape the busy city of Paris and immerse yourself in the French countryside on this 2 day trip. The tour departs the city and crosses the western districts of Paris along the Normandy motorway to reach your first destination. At Mont Saint-Michel, enjoy a fascinating guided visit of the abbey’s interior and marvel at the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the building. Spend some free time exploring the rest of the abbey and surrounding village. After the abbey, head towards Château d’Angers for your overnight stay. Check into your 4-star hotel for the night and relax before the second day of the tour. On the second day, wake up to a delicious breakfast and begin your journey to the breathtaking Loire Valley. Upon arrival in the valley, visit the Castle Langeais passing by Cunault and Saumur along the way. Enjoy a guided tour of the Chenonceau and Chambord castles and learn about the rich history of the people who lived here. Finally, on the return to Paris, marvel at the stunning landscape of the countryside as you travel.

Discover the enchanting Clos Lucé Castle in the heart of the Loire Valley with our exclusive 2-hour Private Guided Tour. This remarkable journey includes your entrance ticket, ensuring a seamless experience as you explore the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Immerse yourself in the world of this Renaissance genius, where art, history, and innovation converge. Your personal guide will lead you through the beautifully restored rooms of the castle, where da Vinci spent the last three years of his life, delving into his extraordinary contributions to art, science, and engineering. Marvel at the models of da Vinci's inventions, brought to life from the pages of his notebooks. These intricate creations showcase his unparalleled foresight, with designs that would not be realized for centuries to come. As you wander through the lush gardens, your guide will recount fascinating stories of da Vinci's life and his close relationship with King François I. The outdoor displays of da Vinci's engineering marvels, set against the backdrop of the stunning French landscape, offer a unique glimpse into the mind of a polymath whose work transcended the boundaries of imagination. This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and families alike, providing an intimate glimpse into the life of one of history's most enigmatic figures. Your experience at Clos Lucé Castle will not only educate but also inspire, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci.

Day 1: 07:30 Pick-up from Your hotel. There are 180 km to drive on highway. It takes about 2,5 hours. Day 1: 10:00 - 11:45 Arrival at the Loire Valley at Château de Chambord. The Guide will tell You the history of the Castle and its construction. The Château de Chambord is one of the most popular castles because of its French Renaissance architecture. 12:45 to 13:30 Wine Tasting at a local family vinery existing since many centuries. You will learn a lot about wine making and have afterwords the wine tasting with explanations. 13:30 Departure to Amboise city 13:45 - 15:00 Free time for Lunch in Amboise city where You'll find many restaurants and cafes. We can help You as well with the table reservation. 15:00 to 16:30 Skip-the-line access with Guide to Chateau d’Amboise with Histopad explaining to You the history of this Castle and of each room. Amboise is the grand 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII. Day 1: 16:30 - 18:00 Visit at Leonardo da Vinci Chateau Clos Luce with Parc. In this castle Leonardo da Vince spent last three years of his life. The Château du Clos Lucé is a castle located just 400 meters away from Château Royal d'Amboise. Clos Luce is of top 100 extraordinary destinations to explore 2021 by time magazine. Free time in Amboise city. 18:30 Hotel accommodation. Day 2: 08:30 Departure from Your hotel to Chenonceau castle. It takes max. half an hour drive. Day 2: 09:00 - 11:00 Arrival at the Chenonceau castle. Visit of Chateau de Chenonceau. Time to enjoy the Castle and walking around the Castle taking pictures. Chenonceau is nicknamed the "ladies’ castle", remarkable for its feminine history as well as for its stunning architecture as well as unique aches over the River Cher. 11:00 Departure from the Chenonceau castle destination Chaumont Castle. It takes about 45 min (40 km) Day 2: 11:30 - 13:00 Arrival at Chateau de Chaumont Sur Loire. The castle was founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 15th century by Charles I d'Amboise. Catherine de Medici forced in 1559 Diane de Poitiers, to accept the Château de Chaumont in exchange for the Château de Chenonceau. Diane de Poitiers spent here last 3 years of her life. 13:00 Departure to Blois city. Day 2: 13:30 - 17:00 Arrival in Blois city. Lunch time. Chateau de Blois visit 13:30 - 14:45 Arrival in Blois city. Free time for Lunch. We can make for You the reservation at a good restaurant. 15:00 - 17:00 Blois castle visit. The Royal Château of Blois is located in the center of Blois city. It was a residence of some French Kings, Joan of Arc also went there by 1429 to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before battling against the English. 17:00 Departure to Paris. It takes about 2,5 hours drive. 20:30 to 21:00 Coming back to Paris. Drop off at Your hotel. P.S. 10 more multi-day trips from Paris to Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel and D-Day Landing Beaches by Clewel Travel in Small groups and as Private Experiences at GetYouGuide.

Overlooking the Loire, the Château d'Amboise in the heart of Touraine was home to kings Louis XI, Charles VIII (who died there), Louis XII, and François 1er. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, it became part of the French crown in 1431. The chapel of St. Hubert houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived at Le Clos Lucé, 2 steps from the château. At the invitation of François 1er, Leonardo da Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life at the Château du Clos Lucé, a Renaissance marvel. Le Clos Lucé allows visitors to experience the genius of da Vinci through furnishings, decorations, inventions, and models. The park has been transformed into a play area, inviting visitors to handle da Vinci's inventions.

Day 1: 07:30  Pick-up from Your hotel. There are 180 km to drive on highway. It takes about 2,5 hours. Day 1: 10:00 - 12:00  Arrival at Château de Chambord, one of the most popular castles because of its French Renaissance architecture. 12:00  Departure to the Blois city. It take about 20 minutes (17 km) Day 1: 12:30  - 14:00  Arrival in Blois city. Lunch break. We will recommend You a good restaurant. Day 1: 14:00 - 15:30  Chateau Blois visit. It was a residence of French Kings, Joan of Arc also went there by 1429. 15:30  Departure to the Winery Plou et Fils. It takes about 30 minutes (30 km). Day 1: 16:00 - 16:45   Wine Tasting at a local family winery. We will present You red, rose and white wines (minimum 7 different wines) 16:45  Departure to Domaine De La Tortinière, It takes 45 minutes (40 km). Accommodation. Free time. Day 2:  09:00 Departure to Chateau de Chenonceau. It takes 0,5 hour drive (40 km). Day 2: 09:00 - 11:00 Arrival at the Chenonceau castle. Skip-the-line access with Guide to Chenonceau Castle nicknamed the "ladies’ castle", remarkable for its feminine history of famous women of France. Free time to walk around the gardens. 11:00 Departure destination Amboise City. It takes about 20 min (14 km) Day 2: 12:00 - 14:00 Arrival in Amboise city and Lunch break. We can as well make a reservation at a good restaurant. Day 2: 14:00 - 15:30  Château Royal d'Amboise visit with Histopad explaining to You the history of this Castle and each room. Amboise is the grand 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII. 15:30. Walking of about 400 meters to Clos Luce Castle.   Day 2: 15:45 - 17:30  Visit of Chateaux Clos Luce with Parc Leonardo da Vinci. In this castle Leonardo da Vince spent last three years of his life. 17:30  Back ride to the hotel. It takes about 40 min (36 km). Day 2: 18:15  Arrival at Château Hôtel "Domaine De La Tortinière". Free time. Day 3: 09:00  Departure to Villandty castle. It takes just one hour drive (55 km). Day 3: 10:00 - 11:30  Villandry castle visit with its famous vegetable gardens. 11:30   Departure to the Amboise city. It takes about 50 min (60 km) Day 3: 12:30 - 14:00  Arrival in Amboise city and Lunch break. There are many cafes and restaurants at the main walking street of Amboise. We can make a reservation at a good restaurant. 14:00  Departure to Wine tasting at the local Winery. It takes 30 min (17 km). Day 3: 14:30 - 15:30  Local Winery visit with Cave visit and Wine tasting. 15:30   Departure to Chaumont castle. It takes about 30 min. Day 3: 16:00 - 17:30  Visit of Chateau de Chaumont founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 15th century by Charles I d'Amboise. 17:30  Departure to Paris. It takes 3 hours (200 km). Day 3: 20:30 Arrival in Paris. Drop off at Your hotel. P.S. 10 more multi-day trips from Paris to Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel and D-Day Landing Beaches by Clewel Travel in Small groups and as Private Experiences at GetYouGuide.

Embark on a captivating 2-hour private walking tour of Amboise, a charming town nestled along the Loire River in France. Explore its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and scenic riverfront. Delve into Amboise's rich cultural heritage, from its royal connections to its Renaissance architecture. Start your tour at Château d'Amboise, a stunning Renaissance castle that overlooks the town. Your guide will provide an introduction to Amboise's history and the significance of the château. Explore the charming streets of Amboise's Old Town, lined with historic buildings and artisan shops. Learn about the town's medieval origins and its role as a center of culture and commerce. Walk to Clos Lucé, the former residence of Leonardo da Vinci during his final years. Discover the fascinating exhibits and inventions related to da Vinci's life and work. Conclude your tour with a leisurely stroll along the Loire River promenade, enjoying scenic views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Take in the peaceful ambiance and perhaps snap some photos of the picturesque scenery.