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

Maureen
If I had to sum up our trip in one word it would just have to be WOW! But of course it is impossible to describe the trip of a lifetime in just one word. The detail and care that Emilie put into planning our trip was AMAZING. Every place we stayed, every outing she planned, every person that she put us in contact was wonderful. My husband and I …
Joel
We highly recommend Emilie’s services. She put together an excellent itinerary. She made all the arrangements and the guides she retained for us where top notch. The B&B accommodations were very good, the hosts were terrific and we enjoyed the other travelers we met at breakfast. We did two table d'hote dinners which were excellent and her …
Sheryl & Mike
World Class Experience ! After a 2 year Covid delay we finally had our Tour De France trip and it was perfect. Everything was well planned out for us and we had a great time !

Our Travelers’ Photos

Kathie, Joan, Brian and Richard
from Canada
Biking for a day in the Loire Valley
The Miller Family
From the US
At the final games for the Women Fifa Worldcup in Lyon
Mike & Lynda
from the US
Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
Myrna & Duncan
from Canada
In Eze gardens on the Riviera
Kelsey
from the US
With her hosts at the B&B in the Loire Valley
Linda
From Australia
Making Chou-Buns at Valerie's
Rose & Bryan
from the US
in Chenonceau castle, Loire Valley
Gary, Barbara, Lori and Ron
from the US
After a cooking class in Provence
Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Jim & Sarah
from the US
in love in Amboise!
Shanna & Mike
from the US
For their First Wedding Anniversary in Provence
Roy & Maureen
From Australia
In Biarritz Food Market, enjoying some white wine with oysters

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