Chez Leonardo

I really must say, ’twas a lovely May

For we seized the chance to travel in France.

So don’t you go feeling sorry for me,

Cause I’m just home from les villes fleuris…

I also went to Germany too.

There’s so very much to share with you,

But I’ll stick with the subject of the blog today

And show the gardens of Clos Lucé….

Are you familiar with Chateau Clos Lucé? It is where Leonardo da Vinci spent the final three years of his life. Invited by the French King, François I, as part of the grand import of the art, ideas, and architecture of the Italian Renaissance to France, Leonardo was able to spend his final years in peace and security, productively working to the end. It was one of the most remarkable places I saw on our grand European adventure. The Chateau itself is small, by chateau standards, but awesome…

With excellent architectural embellishments…

A fine formal garden…

An excellent view of the neighboring Chateau d’Amboise…

And a well preserved interior, including the reconstruction of Leonardo’s studio…

I highly recommend further research and a visit. The guide recommends two hours -we spent five, but that included an excellent, relaxed lunch. And the small city of Amboise, you’ll love it! That is, if you happen to love charming medieval towns with friendly people, great food and fine wine.

But what really struck me about the estate was the garden below.

Not only is this garden lush, green, borderline wild and entirely to my taste in gardens, it appears to be historically accurate. The species in this garden must have been here during Leonardo’s stay from 1516-1519. For Leonardo documented his plants. He made sketches which have been preserved and are conveniently reproduced, along with references to his art (or that inspired by him), on small placards placed discretely throughout the garden…