Built on a Gallo-roman site, the Clos-Lucé was built, with a full defense system and also a square shaped dovecot, able to house 500 pigeons and that has stayed intact today.
Bought by Charles VIII in 1490, the mansion became a royal estate: he built the chapel for the Queen Anne from Britany.
Since then, many celebrities will come to the Clos-Lucé, such as the young Duke of Angouleme, the future Francis 1st and his sister, Marguerite of Navarre.
But the most marking visit is Leonardo Da Vinci. With the Mona Lisa in his bags, Da Vinci settles in the area at the end of the year 1516, on the request of Francis 1st. Even if he didn't really live in the estate, it seems that he was more than a feast organizer for the court, according to his manuscripts found on site.
Meanwhile, it's fascinating to discover the genius' inventions with your family: his drawings and models of his work.
To end the tour, a stroll through the park will be the chance to test some of his life-sized inventions.