In the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci in Touraine: The Renaissance legacy

Who was Leonardo da Vinci?

Is Da Vinci a true Renaissance man?

Early on, he distinguished himself from the children of the village of Vinci (near Florence) through a marked curiosity about everything around him, meticulously observing every detail, and developing his ability to reproduce them from his earliest drawings.
Giorgio Vasari, biographer of the master, describes Leonardo da Vinci as a true “universal man” of his time. A painter, sculptor, engineer and inventor, he embodied the spirit of the Renaissance through his insatiable curiosity and knowledge.

A genius in Touraine: Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance

Leonardo da Vinci, the undisputed symbol of the Renaissance, had a profound impact on the artistic and scientific history of Europe. While Florence was the birthplace of his genius, it was in Touraine, on the banks of the Loire, that he spent the last years of his life. Come and explore the places where Leonardo da Vinci worked, dreamed and left an unforgettable mark, and discover how his ideas continue to inspire today.

The Parc du Clos Lucé and the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci

Renaissance painter and philosopher

The works of Leonardo da Vinci, from portrait to technical sketch, embody an innovative artistic style, where every stroke seems animated by humanist thought. But da Vinci was not just a painter; he was a philosopher who saw every creation as a reflection on man and the universe.

As he became an independent master painter, he went on to work, in particular, for the Duke of Milan (Ludovico Sforza, who would, incidentally, be imprisoned in the Royal City of Loches…) for whom he organised grand festivities, with the invention of spectacular theatrical machines that earned him the title of engineer. From then on, he was consulted on a wide range of subjects.

Humanist and Visionary

Go and meet the genius that was da Vinci and his ability to combine technique and philosophy, to make visible what was previously invisible. His humanistic approach made him much more than just an artist: he was a bridge between the sciences and the arts. Leonardo da Vinci is a constant invitation to discovery and wonder.

©Château du Clos Lucé à Amboise|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND

Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci

Why did François I invite Leonardo da Vinci to France?

François I, a lover of art and protector of talent, offered Leonardo da Vinci a residence at the Château du Clos Lucé. Amboise then became a focal point for culture and innovation. By residing near the Château d’Amboise, Leonardo had the freedom to explore and conceive his ideas with the support of the king. So visit Château du Clos Lucé. You’ll discover construction and architecture, loom mechanisms, military equipment, hydraulics, town planning…

Don’t miss out

on a stroll through the gardens of the Clos Lucé, where several inventions have been reproduced life-size. Treat yourself to a plunge into Leonardo’s creative genius. Between light and shadow, feel all the poetry of the period.

The works of Leonardo da Vinci An intact heritage

While Leonardo came with some of his works, it was his creative spirit that stood out.

Visit! The Château du Clos Lucé and the Leonardo da Vinci Park are essential stops if you want to understand how Leonardo da Vinci, in symbiosis with the Loire landscapes, was able to embody the whole soul of the Renaissance. When you visit Amboise, admire his sketches, studies and, of course, his inventions, an opportunity for you to discover the full extent of his genius.

How did Leonardo da Vinci become a symbol of the Renaissance?

The Renaissance represented the emancipation of thought and the quest for knowledge, and Leonardo da Vinci was the perfect embodiment of this. His research, guided by a unique understanding of human anatomy, and his attention to detail in paintings such as The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, made him an artist ahead of his time.

Leonardo da Vinci at the Château du Clos Lucé

Explore the places where Da Vinci’s spirit still seems to float, between science and art. The streets of Amboise and the Clos Lucé await you to relive the intensity of that era. The site is not just a residence; it is a place where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days surrounded by his disciples. Today, the estate contains reproductions of Da Vinci’s creations, testifying to his influence. Through its gardens and workshops, understand why François Iseen Leonardo as a visionary.

He was not the only Italian artist present at court. Painters, sculptors, goldsmiths and cabinetmakers crossed the Alps to bring their Italian Renaissance know-how, but so did gardeners and landscape gardeners. We owe the beautiful gardens of the Domaine de Château Gaillard to Dom Pacello da Mercogliano.

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The Life and Death of Leonardo da Vinci Why is he buried in Amboise?

This is how he lived the last 3 years of his life, before passing away in 1519. When you visit, soak up the unique atmosphere emanating from the Château Royal d’Amboise and discover his tomb in the pretty chapelle Saint-Hubert. Between art and history, you may well feel the shadow of Leonardo da Vinci watching over his final resting place: an eternal presence in Touraine.