FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Paris, March 27, 2018—During the March 27 press conference at Rendez-vous en France 2018--France's largest B2B travel trade show, news of a major cultural anniversary celebration in the Loire Valley was announced. 2019 will mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci at Amboise, the start of the construction of the Château of Chambord and the birth of Catherine de’ Medici in Florence. The Loire Valley region will celebrate the artistic, scientific and intellectual effervescence of the Renaissance in France.
The Loire Valley with its kings, gardens, river and valley interspersed with châteaux is considered the birthplace of the French Renaissance. Historic figures such as Francis I, Catherine de’ Medici and Leonardo da Vinci largely contributed to the spread of the Renaissance here and greatly stimulated artistic creation, philosophy, science and literature, of which the Loire Châteaux probably bear the greatest testimony. The Loire Valley and the Cathedrals of Chartres and Bourges have received the honor of being listed by UNESCO for their heritage and nature. Celebrations will be held throughout 2019. A cultural program is currently being put together, composed of different highlights including a large travelling digital show mixing contemporary artistic and musical creation, an international architecture competition, guided tours, banquets, many exhibitions, international symposiums, etc.
Leonardo da Vinci was a man who incarnated the possible, a symbol of art and science. The artist and scholar left Rome for Amboise in 1516 upon invitation by King Francis I, and came to live in the “Cloux” Manor, now known as Château du Clos Lucé, where he spent the last three years of his life. This is where the story of three masterpieces began in France: The Mona Lisa, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, and Saint John the Baptist, which are now kept at the Louvre.
For more information see full press release below
