500th anniversary of the renaissance

500th anniversary of the renaissance in Loire Valley

1519-2019 – The Renaissance celebration heritage in Loire Valley

In 2019, Loire Valley will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance. The year 1519 marked the beginning of the Renaissance period with the death of Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise, the start of Chambord Chateau construction and the birth of Catherine de Medecis.

Thereby Loire Valley is considered like the birthplace of the French Renaissance.

To celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance, expositions, visits and events will be organized in  Loire Valley. Visitors will be taking back to the heart of this period through many themes such as heritage, gastronomy, music, gardens, architecture, literature and science.

The death of Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci is a symbol of art and science. In 1516, he left Rome for Amboise, a charming little town on the Loire river bank in the heart of Loire Valley. Leonardo da Vinci spent its final 3 years of his life in Le Clos Lucé, next to Amboise Chateau.

During this period, the story of three masterpieces began. He created The Joconde, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist.

In this Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence, enjoy an exhibition about him and its works. During summer, evening events about gastronomy and great discoveries of the Renaissance will be organized.

Discover the life of Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise in a private tour !

The Birth of Catherine de Medicis

Catherine de Medicis is also a symbolic figure of Renaissance in Loire Valley. In 1559, this Queen, widow of Henri II, install her authority in Chenonceau to direct the French kingdom.

Born in 1519 in Florence, Loire Valley will celebrate Catherine de Medicis, a woman who is at the origin of a lot of changes in this region during this period. In fact, Chenonceau Chateau owes its unique architecture to Catherine de Medicis.

This queen will be celebrated at Chaumont-sur-Loire Chateau too from September to December 2019 with an exhibition entitled “The Queen’s tapestries”.

 Discover Chenonceau Castle in a private tour

The first stone of Chambord Chateau

Chambord is the most mysterious of the royal palaces in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

500 years ago, Chambord castle first foundation stone was laid at the request of François I.

Chambord is the emblematic chateau of the French Renaissance. The architecture of this monument is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.

From May to September 2019, enjoy an exhibition, “Chambord 1519-2019: from utopia to reality”, which mix the past and the future of Chambord Chateau. You will discover the chateau’s history and the virtual transformation into the 21st century.

 Uncover this Renaissance masterpiece on a private tour

During the Renaissance, a lot of stunning chateaux appears in Loire Valley to make it the paradise of chateaux lovers ! To name few : Amboise, Villandry, Blois, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Valençay, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Loches and many more !

A lot of events or exhibitions will be organized in theses chateaux to celebrate the Renaissance and speak about many themes such as how people lived during this period, the constructions of the period, the Renaissance crafts…

Experience the Renaissance ! Get in touch and we will tailor made a unique tour for you !