Celebrating 500 years since the Renaissance in the Loire Valley

In 2019, the region is celebrating its Renaissance heritage, marked by the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, the birth of Catherine de Medici, and the moment the first stone of the Château de Chambord was laid.

The year 2019 is rich in events celebrating the Center Valley of the Loire. The cradle of art and architecture during the French Renaissance, the region was the setting of numerous innovations and discoveries, woven among the patchwork of châteaux like Chambord, Clos Lucé, Blois, Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, and those of Amboise.
The Center Valley of the Loire was the crucible of contemporary intellectuals of the Humanism movement and the Reformation. The great thinkers like John Calvin, Erasmus, Guillaum Budé, and François Rabelais all frequented the University of Orléans. And, of course, there is the name that is synonymous with the Renaissance—Leonardo da Vinci, who took up residence in Clos Lucé in 1516.

Between history and the future

In 2019, the region is celebrating its Renaissance heritage, marked by the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, the birth of Catherine de Medici, and the moment the first stone of the Château de Chambord was laid. During the entire anniversary year, events, expositions, scientific symposiums, visits, and regional and European-themed courses revive the spirit of the Renaissance while confronting modern challenges, creating a dialogue between the history and the future.

A region of considerable heritage

The program for this year of celebration, currently underway, promises to unveil incredible events such as "Leonardo da Vinci, his students, The Last Supper, and François I" at Clos Lucé, and "The art de vivre in the Renaissance" at Châteaudun. A traveling digital show, as well as celebrations for the passing Tour de France are also planned, as well as dedicated tours, some of which use augmented reality.
Another reason to (re)discover this region of considerable heritage: 3 UNESCO (the Bourges and Chartres cathedrals as well as the Loire Valley itself), 6 cities of art and history, 65 museums, and 70 parcs and gardens.

Practical
info 

January 1 - December 31, 2019

Learn
more 

Find out more links about this event:
Advertising - external link

Loire Valley