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Da Vinci’s Last Home – Château du Clos Lucé

Château du Clos Lucé is a historic château located in the town of Amboise, in the Loire Valley region of France. The château is significant because it was the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived and worked there for the last three years of his life. In addition, the château is also known for its beautiful gardens and views of the surrounding countryside.

LocationAmboise, Val de Loire, France (Google Map Location)
Open for VisitorsYes
Official WebsiteChâteau du Clos Lucé
Rooms AvailableYes (Events, Filming)

Château du Clos Lucé History

Château du Clos Lucé
Château du Clos Lucé, by Elliott Brown, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Built-in the 15th century, this beautiful château was the last residence of the famous Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci.

Leonardo was invited to come to the Loire Valley by King Francis I, who was a great admirer of his work. In 1516, Leonardo left his native Italy and moved into the Château du Clos Lucé, where he spent the last three years of his life. He worked on his many inventions and creations, including plans for flying machines and weapons.

Today, the château is a museum dedicated to Leonardo’s life and work. Visitors can explore the many rooms of the château, which are filled with replicas of Leonardo’s inventions and designs. Some of the most interesting exhibits include a full-scale model of his famous flying machine and a collection of sketches and drawings.

Château du Clos Lucé Inside
Château du Clos Lucé Inside, by Léonard de Serre, is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Château du Clos Lucé Pricing

The standard ticket price for adults is 18€. Discount is available for children, students, and seniors. A family ticket, which allows admission for two adults and up to three children, is available for 52€.
If you’re interested in exploring the château and its grounds with your group, tickets for 15 people are 13,50€.
Overall, the pricing for Château du Clos Lucé is reasonable and offers options for individuals, families, and those interested in specialized tours.

Château du Clos Lucé Interesting Facts

  • The château was originally built in the 15th century as a summer residence for King Charles VIII. It was later used by several French kings, including Francis I, who invited Leonardo da Vinci to come and live at the château in 1516.
  • The château is located a short distance from the Royal Castle of Amboise, a favourite residence of the French kings. Visitors to the Château du Clos Lucé can easily visit both historic buildings in a single day.

Château du Clos Lucé Nearby Places To Stay

From large guest houses to quaint inns, you can find a lodging option that fits your budget and needs.

For those who like the convenience and amenities of a hotel, Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien is located just a short walk from the Château. This modern, upscale hotel has comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, spa services, and other conveniences for guests. The village of Amboise is also a few minutes away and has several hotels to choose from, including Hotel le Clos d’Amboise, a 17th-century château located right on the banks of the Loire River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Château du Clos Lucé?

The Saint-Bris family is the current owner of the Château du Clos Lucé.

Where is Château du Clos Lucé located?

The official address of the Chateau is 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise, France.

Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!

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Nitesh Kuchhal, an IIM Calcutta graduate, is more than an educator—he's a mentor. With a passion for leadership and entrepreneurship, and travel. He has explored over 20 countries. Beyond teaching, he dives into psychology and discusses social issues. Though he is not a history expert, he enjoys learning about it through books, adding a historical touch to his many interests.

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