There has been a bridge at Amboise for centuries. One of the few over the Loire river. As a result, there has been at least one fortress here since the early 12th century, controlling trade and the movement of armies.
The current chateau was expanded throughout the 15th century when it was the home of several French kings. During that time, it became a large and complex structure that was both comfortable and heavily protected. It played a central role in the French was of religion and at one time the heads of several prominent and rebellious Protestants are said to have decorated the walls. Louis XIV turned the chateau into a prison and the 'guests' included Nicolas Fouquet, the owner of the Vaux Le Vicomte chateau.
Under Napoleon, the chateau was given to a private owner who could not afford the maintenance of the large and sprawling complex so much of the chateau building were destroyed and the ground planted with grass.
We found the chateau an impressive building with many interesting details. We liked the relief sculpture in the chapel and the gargoyles with a sense of humor.
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Clos Luce
When the kings were decorating the chateau at Amboise, they traveled to Italy and fell in love with all things Italian. This love lead to Leonardo da Vinci being invited to come and live next to the King in a private home 500 meters from the King's home at the chateau.
Leonardo accepted the invitation and spent his last years living in Clos Luce.
To make visits easier, the King had a tunnel built between the chateau and Clos Luce. It is rumored that the King came to visit almost daily.
The tunnel is still there and was a site of one of Juli's great adventures, even though it is closed off to tourists. To see down the tunnel better, she climbed the wrought iron security gate. The gate fell off the hinges and Juli had an iron surfboard ride down the concrete stairs. Thankfully, all that was hurt was her pride.
Clos Luce now houses a large collection of scale models built from Leonardo's designs. These show the incredible scope and technological insight of this 15th century inventor. They were really incredible.
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Page created on 02 Aug 2001