You
cannot visit the town of 
rancois I with the
promise of a pension and comfortable residence. Few demands were put
on him other than to be available for intellectual conversation,
otherwise he was ”free to think, dream and work”.Leonardo
had crossed the
The site
of the manor house dates back to the 12th century when it was
surrounded by fortifications of which only the watchtower remains. The
house as it is today, a good example of Renaissance art using both brick
and the local tufa stone, was built in the late 1400’s and had various owners
before Charles VIII bought it and turned it into
a royal residence,
perhaps for his and future king’s mistresses.
After
being saved from the Revolution by the 
returning the interior to its Renaissance style.
Now you can catch a glimpse of the private life of this illustrious
man as you visit his bedroom, his kitchen and his study, as well as
the small chapel displaying frescoes by his disciples. Its
extraordinary to think that this was probably Leonardo's only real
home during his lifetime - even if it was only to be for a few
short years.
The underground rooms hold a display of models and artefacts bestowing the genius of the great man. Even without flashing lights the children should be distracted enough for you to stand in awe as you think you are standing in the house where Leonardo spent his last moments, though unfortunately they cant get their hands on anything. An interactive area would be a good idea.
This is also carried on out into the gardens where life-sized models have been created. It is fitting that the grounds are used as a practical museum to the great thinker as it was by observing nature that many of his ideas came.
The gardens themselves have a rich display of attractions and
there is an
audio-visual hall within them showing his work
and history on a large screen and displays --with commentary giving
an insight into his imaginative world.
Also within the grounds there is a playground for the kids plus picnic
areas if you don't wish to u
se the eating options on site.
You get to the house by proceeding down Rue Victor-Hugo from the chateau and past some troglodyte homes for about 400mtrs.There are different options for eating at the house or you can wander back to the many fine restaurants in town.