Château du Clos Lucé, Centre Val De Loire Travel Guide

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Explore Leonardo da Vinci's last residence, Château du Clos Lucé, in Amboise, and discover his life, inventions, and legacy in the Loire Valley.

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Château du Clos Lucé

The Château du Clos Lucé, located in Amboise, France, was Leonardo da Vinci's home for the last three years of his life. Here, the Renaissance genius focused on his inventions and architectural studies, leaving an indelible mark on the Loire Valley. Visitors can explore his living quarters, workshops, and the expansive park showcasing models of his inventions.

A brief summary to Château du Clos Lucé

2 Rue du Clos Lucé, Amboise, 37400, FR
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Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Château du Clos Lucé.

Visit on weekdays and during the morning to avoid the largest crowds.
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time.
Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to fully explore the château, gardens, and Leonardo da Vinci Park.
Consider a combined ticket with the Château Royal d'Amboise to see both landmarks.

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Explore Château du Clos Lucé on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Château du Clos Lucé, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Amboise, the Château du Clos Lucé is an easy walk. From Château d'Amboise, walk approximately 400 meters along the Rue du Clos Lucé to reach the entrance. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport

From the Amboise train station, take the local bus to the 'Richelieu' stop. The bus ride takes approximately 9 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Château du Clos Lucé. Bus services operate five times a day. A taxi from the Amboise train station is also an option, costing approximately €7-€9.
Parking

If arriving by car, paid parking is available on Rue du Clos Lucé, a short 300-meter walk from the main entrance. Free parking for buses is also located on Rue du Clos Lucé. Additional parking can be found throughout Amboise. Parking fees vary, so check local signage for current rates.

Discover more about Château du Clos Lucé

Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, the Château du Clos Lucé offers a unique glimpse into the world of Leonardo da Vinci. Originally built in 1471, the manor served as a summer residence for French royalty for two centuries before King François I invited Leonardo da Vinci to reside here in 1516. Da Vinci spent his final years at the château, dedicating himself to various projects and inventions for the king. He passed away here in 1519 and bequeathed his manuscripts and notebooks to his disciple Francesco Melzi.Visitors can explore Leonardo's living quarters, including his bedroom with views of the Château Royal d'Amboise. The château also features exhibits of his paintings, architectural designs, and models of his inventions. The Leonardo da Vinci Park showcases full-scale, interactive models of his inventions, illustrating his contributions to military engineering, urban planning, mechanics, and hydraulics.The Château du Clos Lucé provides an immersive experience into the life and work of one of history's greatest minds. The site is open to the public year-round, except for December 25th and January 1st.