Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tuffeau,
a sedimentary rock). Originally, poor people resided here—the dwellings didn't
require expensive slate roofing, came with natural insulation, and could be dug essentially
for free, as builders valued the stone quarried in the process. Today wealthy stone lovers
are renovating them into stylish digs worthy of
Better Homes and Caves
. You can see
chimneys high above. Unfortunately, none are open to the public.
▲
Château du Clos-Lucé and Leonardo da Vinci Park
In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci packed his bags (and several of his favorite paintings, includ-
ing the
Mona Lisa
) and left an imploding Rome for better wine and working conditions in
the Loire Valley. He accepted the position of engineer, architect, and painter to France's
Renaissance king, François I. This “House of Light” is the plush palace where Leonardo
spent his last three years. (He died on May 2, 1519.) François, only 22 years old, installed
the 65-year-old Leonardo here just so he could enjoy his intellectual company.
The house is a kind of fort-château of its own, with a fortified rampart walk and a
16th-centurychapel.Twofloorsoffinelydecoratedroomsareopentothepublic,butnone
