Clos-Lucé
The royal château of Amboise looks striking,
especially when first seen from across the River Loire. Notwithstanding the
ravages of time, its turbulent history, the demolition of a significant part of
it at one point of its existence, what’s left of it is still worth seeing. High
above the great river, it offers superb views of the surrounding area, just one
of the reasons why it was such a favourite with the French royalty during the
Renaissance.
Clos-Lucé, the more modest abode of
Leonardo da Vinci during his sojourn in France is within easy reach, very convenient
for the frequent visits of his royal patron, King François I. In fact the King
spent a considerable period of his childhood at Clos-Lucé, together with his
mother and sister. Clos-Lucé houses numerous models based on the sketches of
Leonardo, but the great man himself is buried in the Chapel St. Hubert, in the
grounds of the royal chateau of Amboise.
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