The Royal Castle of Amboise

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Diego Beltran

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Diego Beltran

<i>Home Institution</i>: California State University, Fullerton <i>Expected Graduation Year</i>: 2024 <i>Academic Major / Minor</i>: Political Science <i>Destination</i>: Paris, France <i>"Hello" in your host country's language</i>: Bonjour <i>Demographics</i>: Hispanic/Latinx, First-Generation American, First-Generation College Student, Community College Student, Transfer Student <i>Future Career Goals</i>: Politician/ Novelist <i>Top Three Study Abroad Goals</i>: Improve my French language skills, learn about the history and culture of France, and explore the country.

Bonjour tout le monde! On March 25th, I went on an excursion to the Royal Castle of Amboise, located in the Loire Valley of France, with my study abroad program MICEFA. During my visit, I learned that Charles VII of France seized the chateau from its owner Louis d’Amboise in 1434 after he participated in a plot against the king. Once in the hands of the monarchy, the chateau became a royal residence and one of the French kings favorite, from Louis XI to Francis I, who invited Leonardo Da Vinci to stay in Amboise and installed him in what is now the Chateau du Clos Luce. Following his death, Leonardo Da Vinci was buried in the Saint-Florentin chapel, located in the Chateau d’Amboise. I enjoyed the visit to the chateau, in particular in the royal house and the garden.