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

4.3

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

Castle · Historic Site

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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 $1,916 BOOK WITH VIATOR 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS - Wine, Dine & Castle Tours Loire Valley 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS - Wine, Dine & Castle Tours Loire Valley

5.0

Duration: 4 days

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FROM $303 BOOK WITH VIATOR Day tour of Chateaux of Azay le Rideau Langeais Villandry, organic wine tasting Day tour of Chateaux of Azay le Rideau Langeais Villandry, organic wine tasting

4.9

Duration: 9 hours

Tours from $303 ›

FROM $2,555 BOOK WITH VIATOR 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS - Wine, Dine & Castle Tours Loire Valley 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS - Wine, Dine & Castle Tours Loire Valley

5.0

Duration: 5 days

Tours from $2,555 ›

FROM $1,024 BOOK WITH VIATOR LOIRE VALLEY: Your selection of three castles to visit (Day-trip from PARIS) LOIRE VALLEY: Your selection of three castles to visit (Day-trip from PARIS)

5.0

Duration: 12 hours

Tours from $1,024 ›

FROM $3,345 BOOK WITH VIATOR Week tour Wines, Castles and Gastronomy in the Loire Valley with a sommelier Week tour Wines, Castles and Gastronomy in the Loire Valley with a sommelier

Duration: 7 days

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FROM $5,110 BOOK WITH VIATOR 5-Day Private Tour around Seine Valley and the Loire Valley 5-Day Private Tour around Seine Valley and the Loire Valley

Duration: 5 days

Tours from $5,110 ›

Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

3,103 reviews

Google

4.6

By LeicestershireDex

This is your picture postcard French Chateau. We did visit the last time we were in the area but couldnt go inside as restoration work was being done - that's why we came back! You can see...

This is your picture postcard French Chateau. We did visit the last time we were in the area but couldnt go inside as restoration work was being done - that's why we came back! You can see... more »
By lydpic

The castle of Azay-le-Rideau is small and charming, located in the village of the same name, itself a small jewel. Practical information: the visit of the castle lasts about 1 hour.

The castle of Azay-le-Rideau is small and charming, located in the village of the same name, itself a small jewel. Practical information: the visit of the castle lasts about 1 hour. more »
By SnowyShasta

We enjoyed our experience visiting the chateau. The indoors were interesting - we especially liked the 4-story entrance stairway (with windows at each landing) and the fact that we could go up to the.... more

We enjoyed our experience visiting the chateau. The indoors were interesting - we especially liked the 4-story entrance stairway (with windows at each landing) and the fact that we could go up to the.... more »

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By Illan

Nice chateau and ground not huge plan to spend about 2-3 hours all in all. There is audio guide, as well as brochures in English and France, look like below 18 is free, take about 20 min walk to/from the train station and pass the main road which have few restaurants, there is also a nice place to eat in the chateau grounds.

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By Wendy Waters

Beautiful chateaux with friendly staff and most importantly they allowed our pooch into the grounds. Can't understand why they don't all that? Well worth the 11.50 euros with beautiful grounds to also explore.

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By Mandy my PHN

What a charming and beautiful castle! The castle is on top of an island in the Indre River, and in a small town. There is a big garden to make the castle so peaceful. With the innovative Italian decor from the 16th century, and interesting French Renaissance architecture, the castle has something that makes you not want to leave in a hurry. It’s one of the most beautiful castles in Loire Valley, and a treasure of the region.

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By kelso4001

Amazing chateau built on top of an island, lots of ancient logs of oak from the original forests up in the attic section. Very impressive location and has great views from practically every angle. There are other shops/cafes nearby. Good stop when doing bike rides in this part of France.

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By Hana Frluckaj

What a beautiful and romantic chateau atop an idyllic lake with a bubbling stream and handsome woods nearby. The architecture and grounds of the castle are beautiful, and the interior is full of richly decorated rooms with plenty of history.

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