Built in 1471 and used as a summer house by French royalty, the Château du Clos Lucé was later gifted to Leonardo da Vinci by King Francis I, who maintained a residence at the Château d’Amboise. The artist spent the last years of his life in the pink-bricked manor. Today, the site’s rooms are restored to their original 16th-century appearance, complete with historical furnishings. The manor’s 17-acre (7-hectare) gardens feature interactive recreations of da Vinci’s inventions, from a hand-cranked “helicopter” to paddle boats that visitors can use to explore the local creek.
A number of tour options make it possible to explore the Château du Clos Lucé your way: explore with camera in-hand on a photography tour; enjoy a visit alongside trips to other nearby highlights, including the châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau; or book advance tickets online for a seamless, skip-the-line experience.
The Château du Clos Lucé is located in Amboise in the Loire Valley. It is roughly one hour from Paris by the TGV (plus a 10-minute taxi trip from the Amboise train station), or two-and-a-half hours away by car (take the A10). It is just a 10-minute walk from central Amboise to the castle via Rue Victor Hugo.
The Château du Clos Lucé is open daily, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, from morning until evening; visiting hours vary seasonally, and the last admission is one hour prior to closing time. Note that the castle can be very crowded on weekends and during the summer holidays, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. It’s advised to arrive at opening time if you desire a quieter visit.
The Château du Clos Lucé and Château d’Amboise don’t just share history and UNESCO status—the two castles are linked by a subterranean walkway. Today, no trip to Amboise is complete without a visit to both of its castles. From du Clos Lucé, head to the Château d’Amboise to see where French kings resided through the 19th century, explore its Renaissance architecture, and admire panoramic views of the Amboise Loire Valley.
