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Castle · Amboise, Centro-Vale do Loire
Château du Clos Lucé
House where Leonardo da Vinci lived from 1516 until his death in 1519, with a bedroom, studio and a park with models of the machines he designed.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château du Clos Lucé
The Château du Clos Lucé, formerly called the manoir du Cloux, is a brick-and-stone house from the late 15th century in the centre of Amboise. It was purchased by Charles VIII and served as a summer residence for the kings until 1516, when Francis I gave it to Leonardo da Vinci.
Leonardo lived there for three years, until his death on 2 May 1519. The visit includes the room where he died, the studio, the kitchen and rooms with models of his inventions made from his notebooks.
The park, called Parc Leonardo da Vinci, features large-scale models of machines such as the revolving bridge and the tank, as well as panels with the artist’s drawings on botany and engineering.
The property is a historic monument and has belonged to the Saint Bris family since 1854. An underground passage, shown during the visit, is said to have linked the house to the royal castle.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours, including the park.
Best time
From April to October, when the park is green and the models are outdoors. Mornings are less crowded.
How to get there
On foot, about 500 metres from the Château royal d'Amboise, via rue Victor Hugo, with a gentle uphill.
Tip
The park is the children’s favourite part, with hands-on and rotating machines. There is a restaurant on site, convenient for combining with an afternoon visit.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château du Clos Lucé
How long did Leonardo live at the Clos Lucé?
Three years, from 1516 until his death on May 2, 1519, at the invitation of Francis I.
Is the Clos Lucé good for children?
Yes. The park has large models of Leonardo's machines that can be touched and operated.
Is it far from the royal castle?
No, it's about a 500-meter walk.