On the Footsteps of Leonardo Da Vinci

Chenonceau is the most emblematic castle of the Loire Valley, it's the postcard of the Loire castles. Though the river it crosses is called the "cher" which is a smaller river merging with the Loire. It is the only castle/bridge in the World. The castle belonged to 6 powerful women during its long history, including Diane of Poitiers, mistress of the French King Henry II. The visit of the interior is very nicely decorated with floral compositions and the gardens are also not-to-be-missed.
Open hours 9:30 – 16:30.

Have lunch in probably the best restaurant of the village of Chenonceaux. Good vegetarian options.

Go on this bridge to get a great view of the city of Amboise, the fortifications and the castle on top.

The royal castle of Amboise is also one of the most famous French castles on the Loire. You can start by visiting the gardens that offer a great view on the surroundings and on the Loire river. The chapel of Saint-Hubert is the resting place of Leonardo Da Vinci. And of course, visit the inside of the castle which will remind you of the end of the medieval period.
Open hours 9:00 – 17:30.

Start by visiting the castle inside as it closes earlier than the gardens and other buildings. The French King François Ier invited Leonardo Da Vinci to live close to him. That's where the Italian master spent the last 3 years of his life, bringing with him some of his most famous paintings including the Mona Lisa. Inside the castle, you can see his bedroom, his study, etc. but also some of his inventions. Very interesting. There are two more buildings that you can visit with Leonardo Da Vinci life and masterpieces. In the garden , you can see some more of his projects in bigger sizes.
Open everyday from 9:00 to 18:00. The castle closes at 17:30 and the gardens at 19:00.

After walking around the main square of Amboise and looking at the shops, you can have dinner at this French restaurant. It has a terrace for summer. They have good traditional French dishes and good selection of wines.
Open hours 12:00 – 14:00, 19:00 – 21:30 Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Spend the night in a unique location: a cave home.
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