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

Susan & Richard from the US
This trip was amazing, and Laura did such a fantastic job at planning it for us, with us. Wow, the detail and care the whole team put into our package was astonishing.
Harriette
We were referred to this company by some friends that had traveled with them in the past. I was celebrating my 70th birthday and wanted to visit the Provence area of France. Our trip ran smooth as silk. The B & B's were wonderful. The events planned by France Just for You were delightful. The rental car made our trip so easy. I highly recommend …
Andre & Family from South Africa
"France Just For You" is the BEST way to visit France If you want to go on a tailor made self drive holiday to France, there is no better way, but to ask Emilie and Laura from France Just For You, to arrange it for you. We have traveled overseas a couple of times already, but then you have to do a lot of homework before hand, and you never know …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Fiona
From the UK
At a restaurant in Le Mans
Chee Keong & Zack
From Malaysia
On Pegasus Bridge in Normandy for the D-Day celebrations
Cynthia & Roger
from the US
in Monet's House and Gardens in Giverny
Steffi & Jeff
in Chenonceau castle....romantic !
Beverley & John
from Canada
In front of the Louvre pyramid in Paris
The Loo Family
From Malaysia
At the breakfast table in the Loire Valley
Karla, Lee, Irm, Joel, Brenda & Eugene
from the US
At a restaurant
Beth, Moira & Ron from USA
Enjoying a Wine Tasting in Burgundy
Sharon & Bob
from Canada
Meeting with us in the Loire Valley (with Guillaume, Jeanne and Pauline)
Ann & Jim
From the US
In Amboise castle by the Loire river
Mona & Vernon
from the US
in Cassis creeks of the Mediterranean Sea
Our guide with Jean's team
In the quicksands in Mont Saint Michel bay