CASTLES AMBOISE

Château Royal d'Amboise is a Renaissance palace overlooking the Loire Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. A favorite royal residence during France's Renaissance transformation, the château is notable as the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors explore furnished rooms via self-guided or guided tours, with interactive HistoPad tablets providing immersive storytelling. The living castle functions as a nature refuge for over 90 bird species, offering spectacular 360-degree views across the valley. Located in the heart of Amboise with convenient access and special exhibitions throughout the year, it provides insight into royal Renaissance life and artistic heritage.

Château du Clos Lucé is an intimate Loire Valley residence famous as Leonardo da Vinci's home during his final years in France. The castle preserves 800 years of history within its walls, while the surrounding Leonardo da Vinci Park features over 40 reconstructed machines and inventions at full scale, allowing visitors to interact with the master's genius. Immersive galleries showcase da Vinci's work as painter and architect, while the estate accommodates approximately 500,000 annual visitors with guided options, restaurants, and family-friendly amenities. A typical visit spans 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the castle, park, and interactive exhibits.