What to do and see in Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire: The Best Things to do Good for Kids

Beautiful country villa surrounded by a moat and inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river.

At the invitation of Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci came to live at the Château du Clos Lucé and stayed here for the last three years of his life, devoting himself to perfecting his inventions. Leonardo was prolific and inspired, working as an engineer, architect and theatrical director, organising lavish festivities for the Court. At his residence 300 metres from the Château Royal, he drew up plans for a model château for Francis I in Romorantin and designed the double-helix open staircase in the Château de Chambord.The Château du Clos Lucé is dedicated to showing and explaining to the public the great knowledge acquired by the Italian Maestro.

Open every day of the year ! The medieval fortress dominates the village with its austere facade. But don't be daunted: the open drawbridge is an invitation to enter into the refined lodgings of a great lord. It is the most fully furnished castle of the Loire Valley. The hushed ambiance of the rooms and the splendor of the great reception halls will plunge you into the daily life of a 15th century prince. You will relive the event that distinguished the history of the locale: the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, recreated with strikingly realistic wax figures.In the park, you will discover the recreated construction site of France's oldest keep. The promenade, punctuated with playgrounds and the tree house, can be followed through cedars and sequoias to the gazebo overlooking the Loire.

A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style.

In the royal city, you can visit the dungeons and a royal lodge.

A journey full of fun and surprises through a whole era of mechanization of French rural areas and industrialization of France: first cars and tractors, bikes & motorbikes, engines & steam machines, airplanes & locomotives, agricultural & military machines, weaving loom, guillotine and lots of other remarkable items. Following the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, it’s mechanical, industrial & human ingenuity of the 19th and 20thcentury which is exhibited here! The evolution of the agricultural world and modes of transport, the Industrial Revolution, the Second World War: these are some of the biggest themes showcased in museum Maurice Dufresne. An incredible journey through time, contributing to family stories, bringing back memories and evoking great emotions. A visit to the museum will surely animate conversations of elderly people as well as the youngest, men as well as women, even long a er your visit.