Loire Valley-Amboise

We started of our second day in the Loire Valley at the town of Amboise.  On our way there, we noticed many homes built into the sides of the cliffs in caves.  There were even troglodytes in the town of Amboise!  Notice the curvy chimney built right into the rock.

Kelly at House Built into the Cliff in Amboise

Amboise is where François I brought Leonardo da Vinci to live when Leonardo was 64, appointing him "First painter, architect and engineer of the King."

Town of Amboise

We first visited Le Clos Lucé, the little chateau where Leonardo da Vinci lived near the King's big chateau in Amboise.  There is supposedly an underground tunnel that connects the two chateaux so the King could visit Leonardo easily almost every day.

Side Door to Le Clos Lucé where Leonardo Da Vinci died

Leonardo was 64 when he crossed the Alps on the back of a mule to travel to France.  Leonardo brought with him from Rome three of his favorite paintings in leather saddlebags--including the Mona Lisa.  That is why the Louvre has the Mona Lisa--it was with him in France at Le Clos Lucé when he died. 

Mom and Dad in an outdoor passage at Le Clos Lucé

James at Le Clos Lucé in the Room where Leonardo Died

The museum had an area with models of Leonardo's many inventions.  He designed the first tank, the first automobile, the swing bridge, the paddle boat, a flying machine that was the forerunner of the airplane, the helicopter and the parachute, to name a few.  He was about 500 years ahead of his time.

Model of Leonardo's Tank

Leonardo is buried in St. Hubert's chapel at Amboise.  St. Hubert is the saint of hunting so there are antlers on the steeple.

Fortress Walls of Amboise and St. Hubert's Chapel

Notice the Antlers on St. Hubert's Chapel

Leonardo da Vinci's Tomb

Leonardo da Vinci Statue at Amboise

We ended our tour of the chateau outside high above the town of Amboise and the Loire Valley.

Jeanene and Kelly at Amboise

Brooke and Rebeca Overlooking the Loire River

Our Students

We ate in a very French little restaurant with lots of local color.  I loved all the hats they had hanging on the wall.  I had Coq au Vin--very French and very good!