Trip Planner: Europe / France / Centre-Val de Loire / Loire Valley / Azay-le-Rideau / Historic Sites / Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau

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

(1,500+ reviews on the web)

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.

Create a full Azay-le-Rideau itinerary

Plan your trip to Azay-le-Rideau

Get a personalized plan

A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book it

Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.

Related Tours to Book

Small-Group Day Tour of Loire Valley: Chenonceau Amboise and Clos Lucé with Wine Tasting from Tours BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 189

Private Tour: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 300

Small-Group Full-Day Loire Valley Castle Tour from Amboise BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 93

Small-Group Half-Day Tour to Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and Family Castle from the Town of Tours BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 93

Loire Valley Day Trip to Azay Le Rideau, Langeais and Villandry with Wine Tasting from Tours BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 189

View more tours

Plans in Azay-le-Rideau by other users

View more plans

Reviews

TripAdvisor

david s

Restoration work going on inside and out but still worth a visit very pretty setting and chateau. Cafe in grounds but the service was terrible we left and went local more »
Caper20

Nice Chateau with a nice little village. Unfortunately not a good time for good pictures since half of it is covered due to renovations. more »
Jessica H

While you can still visit the chateau, the classic views of a fairy tale castle reflected in a pond are limited by the extensive scaffolding. Still able to visit some of the interior. more »

View more on Trip Advisor »

Google

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!

more less
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.

more less
Gordon Wills

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

more less
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.

more less
Ernesto Fernandez Polcuch

The chateau is great, but avoid the restaurant! Awful service! We had to leave because they would not make any effort to seat us, even if the garden places were basically empty.

more less