Chateau Amboise

Amboise, architectural jewel of the Renaissance, dips its majestic silhouette into the Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage river.

A place of residence for French kings from the 15th to the 19th centuries, its destiny is inextricably linked to the history of France. Numerous literary figures and artists were invited here, like Leonardo da Vinci whose tomb is preserved at the château.

From 2016 to 2019, 500 years after he resided in Amboise, this historic town on the banks of the Loire is dedicating an array of events to him, where aesthetics and creativity will be the two guests of honour.

An exceptional Renaissance figure, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was invited to join King François 1er and his court in Amboise in 1516. During his time here he was able to reveal the entire breadth of his talents: artist behind the 1517 drawing of the royal château, painter of decors, mechanical engineer of machines for the royal court’s sumptuous festivities, hydraulic engineer and town planner for the town of Romorantin. In Amboise, he found financial stability and the confidence of a king who invited him to, "dream, think and work" in complete freedom. Thus, Leonardo resided in Amboise until the end of his days on 2nd May 1519 and was even buried in the heart of the royal château where his tomb is preserved today.

http://www.chateau-amboise.com/