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

Cathy
France Just For You planned the trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. We traveled to Normandy, St. Saint Michele, the Loire Valley and Provence. We are typically not road trip travelers, but this adventure brought us closer to the wonderful people of France than any group tour or "drop and plop" vacation could ever do. The bed and breakfasts …
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Our Travelers’ Photos

The Loo Family
From Malaysia
At the breakfast table in the Loire Valley
Sonia & Peter
from Canada
in Carcassonne Medieval City
Jim
From Australia
With his guide in Provence
Lindsay & David
From the US
Enjoying a romantic vacation in France
Peter
from Canada
Truffle Hunting in Dordogne
Nicolas from Australia
Nicolas
from Australia
Enjoying cider in Cancale
Chris, Diane, Teresa & Lorelea
From the US
In Epernay, in the Champagne region
Sue & Chris
Romantic night in Montecarlo
Kathie, Brian, Joan & Richard
from the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny
Lis, Mervyn & Stephen
from Australia
On the Riviera
Mike & Lynda
from the US
Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
Teresa & Jim
From Australia
In the Basque Country

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