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

4.2
#1 of 14 in Things to do in Azay-le-Rideau
Castle Historic Site Must See
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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Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau Tours
Private Tour: Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris including Wine Tasting BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $280
5.0
3 reviews
Duration: 12 hours
Buy tours from $280
Loire Valley Chateaux Day Tour: Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry, Wine tasting lunch BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $194
5.0
1 review
Duration: 9 hours
Buy tours from $194
Two days in Loire valley Chateaux, five palaces and a night in Amboise BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $458
Duration: 1 day 13 hours
Buy tours from $458
Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.5
2,476 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By UTE C
    I loved this superb Castle both indoors and outdoors. We were able to benefit from a very interesting guided tour, thanks to our guide Manuel for his explanations and his patience. It is absolutely necessary to visit this marvel!
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  • By Benoît L
    One of the most beautiful castles of the Loire, resting on its mirror with magical accents, interiors recomposed with taste and sincerity, beautiful documentation, pleasant visit, hyper photogenic place, impeccable service, only one problem... many people, many many people!
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  • By BERTHOTRAVEL
    Renaissance Castle, beautiful and recently restored on the edge of the Indre, located about 15 kilometers from tours. The rooms are beautifully furnished and an audioguide makes it possible to complete the tour. A must-have stopover in the Loire Valley.
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Google
  • By Waïzee Official
    Such a beautiful place ! I love it very much. Congratulations to the team. Thx.🙏
  • By Sue Alemann
    In the middle of a river, surrounded by water, set in a park, with wonderful furniture and animations. It has as much to offer as other more popular castles in the area, with smaller crowds. icturesque and worth a visit.
  • By 覃羿彬
    This is a dreamy castle, one of the best off-the-beaten track destinations in the Loire Valley in my opinion. The castle’s rooms are beautifully arranged with jaw-dropping items (will be great fun for kids and adults who could appreciate mechanics and art), the castle and it’s garden is of tranquility in general, quite a hidden gem.
  • By Micke Lay
    Magnificent castle surrounded by water. You need an hour to go around and a bit more to enjoy all the selfies spots. Tasty home made Ice scream shop inside the garden just in front of the castle. Free for students and reasonable other prices. The only drawback is the castle is a little far away.
  • By Dan Cleveland
    Beautifully cared for. Every room is impeccable. Newly restored roof system is impressive. Walking paths on the grounds allow for spectacular photo ops. Restaurant is reasonably priced and food quite good in addition to having views of the chateau from the outdoor sitting areas.
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4 days in Chinon BY A USER FROM FRANCE June, popular sights PREFERENCES: June ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 57 days in Europe BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA April, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums, fast-paced, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: April, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 4 days in Loire Valley BY A USER FROM FRANCE July, culture, romantic, historic sites, museums, popular sights PREFERENCES: July, culture, romantic, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 7 days in Le Mans BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM August, popular sights PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 18 days in France BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, popular sights PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 4 days in Loire Valley BY A USER FROM CANADA August, popular sights PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 10 days in Loire Valley BY A USER FROM ISRAEL October, teens, kids, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, teens, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in Loire Valley BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, culture, romantic, historic sites, popular sights PREFERENCES: July, culture, romantic, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 6 days in Amboise & Villandry BY A USER FROM FRANCE June, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, popular sights PREFERENCES: June, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 34 days in Le Mans BY A USER FROM ROMANIA June, shopping, popular sights PREFERENCES: June, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 17 days in France BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 10 days in Le Mans BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, popular sights PREFERENCES: June ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium
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