Trip Planner: Europe / France / Centre-Val de Loire / Indre-et-Loire / Azay-le-Rideau / Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau

Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, Azay-le-Rideau

4.3

#1 of 14 in Things to do in Azay-le-Rideau

Must see · Castle · Historic Site

Set on an island in the middle of the Indre river, Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau is considered one of the foremost examples of early French Renaissance architecture. Built between 1518 and 1527, this picturesque château maintains the fashionable Italian renaissance style in its long proportions and ornate sculptural decorations.

Venture into the interior to view a significant collection of artwork, including "Dame au Bain" (possibly depicting Diane de Poitiers) by François Clouet and several portraits of French monarchs, including Francis I, Henry III, and Catherine de Médici. A climb into the attic provides an insight into the charpente, the handcrafted wooden frame supporting the roof, which was recently restored and available for your view. Put Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau into our Azay-le-Rideau trip app to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Azay-le-Rideau.

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Tours to Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau

FROM $215 BOOK WITH VIATOR Day tour of Chateaux of Azay le Rideau Langeais Villandry, organic wine tasting

5.0

Duration: 9 hours

Tours from $215 »

FROM $1,603 BOOK WITH VIATOR 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS - Wine, Dine & Castle Tours Loire Valley

5.0

Duration: 4 days

Tours from $1,603 »

FROM $375 BOOK WITH VIATOR Excursion to the castles of Azay-Le-Rideau and l'Islette with private driver

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Tours from $375 »

Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,964 reviews

Google

4.5

By Domovoi1

We were very happy to visit park and castle.This village not famous and not included in tourist road, but it is beautiful. It is a real french place with quiet rivers and trees more »
By Spectacle64

Able to enjoy the chateau and grounds - unlike Chenonceau which was packed. This seemed to be much more civilised and enjoyable. Well worth a visit. more »
By Stefan C

Arrived at 1 minute past 5 and were refused access so took advantage of the lovely gardens to while away an hour. Beautiful on the outside and will return one day to do the interior. more »

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By Steve Balaam

Fairy tale chateau placed like a boat in the middle of a lake. Incredible tall trees surround it. The town is very beautiful too full of good restaurants and antique shops.

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By Alan Huett

Wonderful ornate chateau in stunning setting. There was also an art installation of various automata and renaissance style art pieces, that kept the children interested. The secret garden is worth a visit even if you don't buy a ticket for the main chateau.

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By IRIS Dinkovic

The castle is very well and rich furnished. If it's a sunny day, then you can enjoy wonderful park and nature around the castle. It also has a lovely secret garden. Worth visiting!

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By Cristina Pacific

Wonderful small castle, although smaller than the others on Loire Valley. Good visitation access to rooms and substantial collection of artifacts from various eras since 1500s, especially furniture, paintings, but also couple of impressive fireplaces. Exhibit maintains a respect both towards the eras it speaks of, and visitor. As a plus, nested in a beautiful small village that it's worth visiting in itself.

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By Beatrice Wells

Beautiful Château in the Loire region. Quite popular with the tourists however there is plenty of accessible parking. The gardens are extensive and definitely worth a visit.

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