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About Château du clos lucé
Things to see at Chateau du clos lucé
Get a glimpse of the life of Leonardo da Vinci while exploring the enchanting Castle of Clos Lucé. This fascinating castle is the very location where Da Vinci had spent the last three years of his life and created his masterpieces. The castle is a museum of his life’s work and houses the replicas of his life’s work art and inventions. Explore the beautiful rooms of the castle decorated with period furniture and gothic elements, taking you to peep into the glories of the bygone era.
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The captivating Chateau Du Clos Luce has a grand seven-hectare garden where you can take a stroll to view over twenty models of Leonardo Da Vinci’s creations. While children can interact with his creation’s replicas, you can take the time to browse through the various themes of Da Vinci’s creations and appreciate the creativity and brilliant mind of the reputed artist. Various exhibitions are held in these gardens throughout the year, so do not forget to check them out during your visit.
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History of Château du clos lucé
The Château du Clos lucé was built by Hugues d'Amboise on a Gallo-Roman foundation in 1471. It was the property of Chateau D’Amboise along with the lands of Lucé and was surrounded by fortifications. For several years, the building had religious people of the Abbaye of Moncé residing until 1471 when Etienne le Loup, Louis XI Counselor and Amboise beadle, purchased the property and restored it.
Then, on 2 July 1490, Charles VIII bought the castle and converted it into a comfortable and habitable summer house which French royalties used for 200 years. In 1516, the then French royalty, King François I invited the 64-year-old Leonardo da Vinci to live in this house along with his disciples Francesco Melzi and Salaì and his servant, Batista of Vilanis. He stayed at this place for the last three years of his life and passed away in his room at the Clos Lucé on May 2, 1519.
Owing to its well-known occupants, the house has been ranked as a ‘historical monument’ and has been converted into a museum by the present owners of the property, The Saint-Bris family, to display Leonardo da Vinci's life, work and memories.
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Plan Your Visit To Chateau Du Clos Luce
The Chateau Du Clos Luce is open all year round every day, except for 25th December and 1st January. The timings as per month are mentioned below. The last entry is one hour before the site and the castle closes 30 minutes before the park.
- January: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
- February - June: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
- July - August: 9.00 am to 8.00 pm
- September - October: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
- November - December: 9.00 to 6.00 pm
Chateau du clos lucé is located at 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise, France. You can reach the place by -
- Car: Take A 10 motorway and exit No 18 to reach in two hours from Paris.Free car parking is available nearby.
- Train: Get down at the nearest Train Station at Amboise which is 1.9km away.
- Bus: Reach the nearest bus stop at Amboise town center and walk for 300 m.
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- Wheelchairs are available on loan and most of the area is wheelchair accessible.
- Parking facility available for Car, Bus or Coach and bicycle.
- Dogs allowed on the premises
- Store Lockers are available
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- Book tickets online in advance to ensure that you do not face any problems due to tickets being sold out.
- Stage locker facilities available to visitors are currently closed on a temporary basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Visitors with babies can use a baby carrier inside the castle to avoid causing inconvenience to other visitors.
- Visitors with dogs as pets can take them inside the building and keep them when well-leashed within the park.
- The staff of the Castle of Clos Lucé can speak English and French.
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Château du clos lucé FAQs
Can I buy Chateau Du Clos Luce tickets online?
The entry inside the residence of Chateau Du Clos Luce is by reservation only and you can buy the tickets online to ensure you are able to reserve your time slot for a visit. Booking online is also recommended as it will allow you to avail yourself discounts on the tickets for certain age groups and students. You can also get skip-the-line access with your ticket. However, do note that the tickets cannot be amended, rescheduled, or canceled.
Is the Chateau Du Clos Luce tour open now?
Yes, the Castle of Clos Lucé tour is open and is completely safe. However, you will need to comply with public health requirements and sanitary measures are put into place while going on the tour.
Is it mandatory to have a Sanitary Pass?
Yes, it is mandatory to present the Sanitary Pass to access all the facilities of the Castle of Clos Lucé.
Are dogs allowed inside Chateau Du Clos Luce?
Yes, dogs are allowed inside the Castle of Clos Lucé. You can take your pet dog inside the building but remember to keep them well leashed as you stroll in the park.
What is the best time to go for the Chateau Du Clos Luce tour?
Although the Chateau Du Clos Luce is open year-round, the best time to visit the place is between May to July. During this time, the weather is warm and comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the castle and the grounds comfortably. Visit the castle keeping 2-3 hours of time in hand to ensure that you do not miss out on any part of it.
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