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.

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Pam
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My husband and I used Emilie from France Just For You to plan a special trip for our anniversary. We loved the fact that our trip had structure, but at the same time, we had freedom to explore as we wished. We also loved the fact that the trip included guided tours, but we were not tied to a tour group as such. Emilie planned our trip according to …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Karen & Tony
From Australia
In Villandry Gardens, in the Loire Valley
Karen, Theresa, Mike & Bill
From the US
Dinner with view...
The Loo Family
From Malaysia
At the breakfast table in the Loire Valley
Carol from the US
Biking in the Luberon
Nancy, Don, Jane & Ron
from Canada
In Honfleur, Normandy
Georgia & Matt from Australia
Cooking fresh stawberries from Carpentras in Provence
Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Kathie, Brian, Joan & Richard
from the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny
Trea & Anna
From the US
In a little town in Provence
Ginette, Craig, Bev & Dan again
from the US
Having breakfast on their private terrace near Aix en Provence
Beverley & John
from Canada
In front of the Louvre pyramid in Paris
Rory
From the US
Enjoying a croissant at the B&B in Burgundy