CHATEAU ROYAL D'AMBOISE & CLOS LUCE

Located in Amboise near the Loire Valley, Chateau Amboise is a building on the river. Chateau Royal d'Amboise is  a representative building from Gothic style to the new French Renaissance style.

Chateau Royal d'Amboise has played an important role in French history. Amboise was the residence of all the Kings of valois and Bourbon. There have been many political, economic and artistic activities here. Famous French king Francois I, with his love of Renaissance’s art, firstly brought Italian art to this unusual château.

The typical Renaissance style building, Chateau Royal d'Amboise

From the top of the château, we can overlook the city of Amboise and the beautiful Loire River. It’s a good view.

The St. Hubert Chapel

The flamboyant Gothic chapel was built in 1493. Leonardo Da Vinci, a Renaissance giant, died in Amboise on May 2, 1519. Nowadays, when we visit the chateau, we can not only see the tomb of Da Vinci, but also see the exhibition about him. 

Stained glass, which depicts the life of King Louis IX. 

The garden of Chateau Royal d'Amboise

Built on the banks of the river, the garden of Chateau Royal d'Amboise strewn at random discretion, abound change, coupled with exquisite details, which makes the view of the garden is very good. You can also overlook the most beautiful scenery of the valley from garden. Especially when the sun disappears and nights begins. The garden is planted with rosemary, jasmine, laurel and cedar，which makes people unconsciously think of the scenery on both sides of the Mediterranean.

Elegant and cozy castle, Chateau Clos Lucé

From Chateau Royal d'Amboise, you can get to Chateau Clos Lucé after 400 meters’ walk. It was rebuilt on the basis of the old castle of the 12th century in 1471. The entire castle was built around an octagonal tower. The exterior of the building is very elegant, decorated with pink bricks and white travertine, which reflects the typical architecture of the 15th century. There is a green forest around the castle.

In 1516, Francois I invited Leonardo da Vinci to come to France and live in this castle. He spent the last three years of his life here. Leonardo da Vinci is both a painter, an engineer, an architect, and a sculptor, so his workshops are divided into a studio, a sculpture room, and a drawing room. He has created many works here. It is also here that he completed his important work " Saint John the Baptist".

It is worth mentioning that in his studio, through the virtual technology ''Peber Ghost'' (perspective projection), visitors can see the story of his life - Leonardo da Vinci presented his three masterpieces for the Cardinal of Aragon, ‘’The Mona Lisa’’, The Virgin and Child and Saint. Anne, and ‘’St. John the Baptist’’.

Leonardo Da Vinci Park

The Leonardo da Vinci Park in the chateau is also worth to visiting. The various plants of the park have appeared in his sketches and paintings. The vegetation in the garden is the source of his paintings and philosophical thoughts. In addition to the natural beauty, the park retains many mechanical models invented by Leonardo da Vinci. Feel the work of this talented engineer while walking in the park. While you are walking in the park, you can also experience the work of this talented engineer.

O'bon Paris' tip

The French kings from Charles VII to Francois I have lived in Chateau Royal d'Amboise. Although some of the furniture was destroyed during the Revolution, Chateau Royal d'Amboise still retains a collection of beautifully decorated works of art from the Gothic period to the Renaissance. This architectural masterpiece shows the French Renaissance architecture. After visiting the castle, if you still have time, you can take a rest in Amboise. The small city of Amboise, 240 km from Paris, is a place where the giant Leonardo Da Vinci enjoyed his later years. It is also a typical city of French.

Words and Photographs by Yi ZHAO