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

Linda & Scott
This was our first visit to France to celebrate my 40th birthday. We started in Reims/Champagne region, Burgundy, Loire Valley Normandy and finished in Paris. Our 21 day trip was exceptional in every way! Emilie and her team thought of everything and their service from fist email to our return home could not be faulted. The only way I can describe …
Jenifer
When planning my 60th birthday celebration, my sister and I stumbled upon France Just For You, which saved us from the potential nightmare of traveling with 40 strangers on a bus. As a result, my sister and I, along with our husbands, experienced a trip of a lifetime! From the beginning, Emilie was extraordinarily responsive, informative, and more …
Susan
This was a wonderful way to travel in France! Our tours were wonderful and the guidebook was very helpful. Each day we had suggestions of things to do and we loved every suggestion! Our car and our accommodations were first class. Having the french phone made travel easy since we could use Waze and Google Maps. If we return to France, we will …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Susan & Gary
From the US
At the summit of the famous Mont Ventoux in Provence (famous as a mythical step of the Tour de France)
Patty
from the US
In Villeneuve les Avignon, Provence
Ron
From the US
Cycling in the Loire Valley vineyards
Georganna, Caroline & Julia
In Etretat cliffs
Trea & Anna
From the US
In a little town in Provence
Stéphanie & Vania
from the US
on the Aiguille du Midi peak in the French Alps (Chamonix)
Carol from the US
Biking in the Luberon
Kathie, Brian, Joan & Richard
from the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny
Karen & Tony
From Australia
In Villandry Gardens, in the Loire Valley
Diana & Michael
A glass of wine in the Provence vineyards, what else ?
The Ko Family
from Korea
on the French Riviera
Judy & Rich
from the US
in Giverny, Normandy

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