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

Naomi
My boyfriend and I spent a week in Paris last month and we decided that we would do a couple of day-tours outside of the city during our trip. We really wanted to avoid the typical tour-bus day-tour and the crowds that come along with these kinds of tours – we wanted something more personalized that would allow us to go at our own pace. I found the …
Pam
Dear Emilie, Thank you so much for all you did to make our vacation fantastic. From the initial planning, the guide book, and all the accommodations and plans, everything was fabulous! Our trip was made better because of you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Cynthia
We enjoy drive yourself travel and located Emilie's France Just For You online. How fortunate we were. In September and early October we traveled 17 days in Loire, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne and Provence. All the accommodations were in historic B&Bs. Our hosts were invariably gracious and helpful. At every stop Emilie included a home cooked …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Marcy, Mike & their daughters
from the US
in front of Clos Vougeot in Burgundy
Alan & Lucelle
From South Africa
In Mont Saint Michel at the border between Brittany & Normandy
Colleen & Russell
from New Zealand
Having Breakfast at the B&B
Mary-Ann & Ruth
From the US
Meeting Emilie in Normandy
Lucelle & Alan
From South Africa
Meeting their host - Mr le Prince - in a Castle in the Loire Valley
The Loo Family
From Malaysia
Visiting an out of the beaten track abbey in the Loire valley, with its owner
Karen & Mike
from the US
Visiting Chambord in the Loire Valley
The Loo Family
From Malaysia
At the breakfast table in the Loire Valley
Ginette and Craig
from the US
In Chaumont castle, Loire Valley
Sharon & Bob
from Canada
Meeting with us in the Loire Valley (with Guillaume, Jeanne and Pauline)
Christina
from the US
in a lavender field in Provence

Last Blog Articles