The legendary Leonardo Da Vinci had many talents and mastered many fields: art, science, engineer, philosophy and architecture. His incredible work affected all the generations that followed. As an architect, Leonardo Da Vinci left behind many marvelous sites and inventions in the Loire Valley. One of its most remarkable pieces in the Loire Valley is in the Chateau de Chambord: the double helix staircase, an architectural prowess.

Leonardo da Vinci was a visionary, making blue prints for advance engineering (such as the automobile or helicopter). His scientific and philosophical works show the infinite creativity of his brilliant mind. However, Da Vinci could also be simpler, asking practical question of everyday life which were still unanswered.

Leonardo Da Vinci was born on April 15th, 1452 in Florence. His father was a notary and art lover. During his childhood, he spent time with him in the academic library and started painting lessons. Later on, Da Vinci used science to improve his art. 

Leonardo Da Vinci 

In 1516, Leonardo Da Vinci arrived in the Loire Valley under the protection of the King of France, Francois the 1st. He was given the Manoir du Clos Lucé in Amboise, where he could practice his art at ease and free from specific orders. Cherishing the Italian Renaissance, Francois the 1st promoted Leonardo Da Vinci to be its architect, painter and engineer…he also called him “my father”. Da Vinci died in May 2nd, 1519 and is now resting the Chateau d’Amboise in the Saint Hubert chapel.

 

April month is a great time to visit the Loire Valley, find out what to do in France in April.

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Judy
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little …
Tony
The organisation and friendliness of the places we stayed was outstanding. We travel a lot and this was a delightful experience that we can't wait to do again. I could not recommend more highly the professionalism in the booklets which are a long term reminder of a most memorable time. We travelled from NZ a long way for just two weeks but it was …
Peter
We wanted my spouse's birthday trip to France to be special and we could not have expected such a perfect time. From initial communication with Emilie by email right up to having a driver meet us in Paris CDG airport, it was a stress-free vacation. Emilie provided first class service throughout and tailored our desire to see Paris, the Loire Valley …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Pam & Mercer
From the US
In Paris
Sue, Steve, Janet & Denis
From the US
Enjoying a relaxing lunch
Ginette, Craig, Bev & Dan again
from the US
Having breakfast on their private terrace near Aix en Provence
Ron, Jane, Don & Nancy
From Canada
Visiting a wine cellar
Bobbi & Andy
from the US
Walking with a private guide in Mont Saint Michel bay
Stephanie & Vania
from Canada
At the top of Aiguille du Midi, by the Mont Blanc, in the French Alps
Chris, Diane, Teresa & Lorelea
From the US
In Epernay, in the Champagne region
Kathie, Brian, Joan & Richard
from the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny
Lucelle & Alan
From South Africa
Meeting their host - Mr le Prince - in a Castle in the Loire Valley
Dina & Jim
from the US
Who just received their travel pack at home
Elisabeth & Randy
From Canada
In Vimy Ridge Memorial
Bruce from Australia
Cooking outdoor in Provence, bon appétit !

Last Blog Articles