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

3.9

#1 of 8 in Things to do in Azay-le-Rideau

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. Add Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau to your Azay-le-Rideau travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Azay-le-Rideau travel itinerary maker.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,666 reviews

Google

4.2

Facebook

4.5

693 likes

WilliamBrb

Nous avons visité le château d'Azay-le-Rideau en août 2017. Moment très agréable : l'architecture du bâtiment est magnifique, les salles sont richement reconstituées et le parc offre une balade agréab... more »

We visited the chateau of Azay in August 2017. Lovely time: the architecture of the building is beautiful, rooms are richly restored and the Park offers a pleasant ride with Castle view. The documentation provided to the home is complete and allows an understanding of life in the Castle, present works in parts and the main architectural elements. The little extra: summer, the Park of the castle is accessible free of charge from 22: 00 to 23: 00, allowing you to discover the Castle differently!

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dominique b

Super ! Beau site , jardins Magnifiques Restaurant dans le jardin tres Bien À faire ! En famille ou en couple more »

Super! Nice site, Garden magnificent Restaurant in the garden very well to do! Family or couple

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Grit J

It was the area around that won me over. Use time there with a book or something. The nature is during the summer at least very nice more »

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Dina Mohamed-Aly

Truly an underrated castle. It has some of the most interesting interior architecture I've sewn in all the chateaus I've visited and the grounds are lovely. Unfortunately, a large part was under construction when I went but the town it's in and the architecture haven't ceased to amaze me!

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Henri Keomany

We started with the parc which was really inviting for a walk by a beautiful sunny day: a nice little gravel path under the shades of trees sparsely standing. A nice lake is surrounding the castle reflecting its image. The castle was partly under maintenance unfortunately but it did not decrease its interest and beauty. Surprisingly, the castle is located at the heart of Azay le Rideau and is like out of time compared to the dynamic people in this beautiful town.

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Gordon Wills

A beautiful old building in stunning grounds. There was scaffolding when we went, but that only slightly detracted from the experience.

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Jim Warden

Beautiful and scenic. Grounds are open and free but the Chateau is closed for renovations until 06 July.

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Ani T

Beautiful chateau. The gardens are also lovely. Unfortunately there is some construction and restoration happening for another year or two that hides some of the most beautiful parts of its exterior.

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