The history of the Château d\'Amboise dates back to the 11th century, whenthe Count of Anjou built the castle on the promontory, surveying the Loire River, as a defence strategy. Between the 15th and 16th centuries , under the orders of Charles VII, Louis XII and Francois I, the castle was refurnished. Its magnificent facade can be attributed to Charles VIII and Francois I, and their love for Italian art and style. It was because of this passion for Italian art that Francois I invited Leonardo Da Vinci to come and reside in Amboise as his first painter, architect and engineer. Da Vinci arrived in 1516 and spent the remaining three years of his life living and working in the nearby Chateau du Clos Lucé (connected to the royal chateau by an underground passage). Leonardo Da Vinci died in Amboise and was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert (on the ramparts of the Chateau d\'Amboise). Visit few wineries and enjoy a delightful 3-course lunch during this wonderful tour.