Overlooking the Loire, the Château d'Amboise in the heart of Touraine was home to kings Louis XI, Charles VIII (who died there), Louis XII, and François 1er. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, it became part of the French crown in 1431. The chapel of St. Hubert houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived at Le Clos Lucé, 2 steps from the château.

At the invitation of François 1er, Leonardo da Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life at the Château du Clos Lucé, a Renaissance marvel. Le Clos Lucé allows visitors to experience the genius of da Vinci through furnishings, decorations, inventions, and models. The park has been transformed into a play area, inviting visitors to handle da Vinci's inventions.