Clos Lucé: a visitor's guide

800 years of history
The Château du Clos Lucé holds 800 years of history. Its foundations, begun in 1471, evolved over time to become, in 1490, the pleasure residence of the kings of France. François I later gave the use of the place to his loyal friend Leonardo da Vinci, who lived there for the last three years of his life. Within these walls, art, science, and royal friendship came together as rarely before.

The house and the park
A visit lets you discover the home of Leonardo da Vinci and its gardens, whose opening hours vary from one season to the next. After exploring the manor, you can head into the Parc Leonardo da Vinci, seven hectares (about 17 acres) where some of his works are displayed, such as his life-size models, which bring the master's inventions to life. Walking among them, you see the workings of a mind centuries ahead of its time.

Getting there
Just two and a half hours from Paris, this historic site can be reached by train or by car via the A10 highway. To make the most of your visit, it is wise to book your tickets online and to keep the seasonal hours in mind, so you can fully enjoy the house and its garden. A little planning is all it takes to turn the trip into a seamless escape.