Da Vinci’s French home

Leonardo da Vinci’s home for his final three years, Château du Clos Lucé (2 rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise, Val de Loire, France; phone +33 [0] 2 4757 00 73), is now a museum. It features 16 large, working models of his machines, reproductions of his drawings, audio and video presentations and a garden inspired by his botanical studies.

Located two hours southwest of Paris (or one hour by TGV fast train) in the town of Amboise, the château is open year-round except Christmas and New Year’s Day. In high season, €13 (near $19) adult, €10 senior; in low season, €10 adult, €7.50 senior. In January, open 10-6, Feb.-June, 9-7, July-Aug., 9-8, Sept.-Oct., 9-7, and Nov-Dec., 9-6.