Exceptional places / Castles / Chateau Azay le Rideau

Chateau Azay le Rideau

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Centre-Val-de-Loire

Chateau Azay le Rideau

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About Chateau Azay le Rideau

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The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a listed monument belonging to the state and located in the commune of the same name, in Indre-et-Loire, France.

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

For a truly memorable and "clever" visit to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, the trick is to leave the interior for a moment and explore the reflecting pool from a specific angle. Head to the south bank of the park as the sun begins to set: this is when the illusion is perfect, the château seeming to float between sky and earth, ideal for a postcard-worthy photo without the crowds. For a more unusual touch, be sure to look up at the attic: the original 16th-century timber frame is a masterpiece of carpentry, often overlooked, offering a fascinating "upside-down ship" atmosphere. Finally, if you visit in the summer, opt for the evening illuminations; the nighttime stroll transforms the gardens into a dreamlike theater, far removed from the daytime tourist bustle.

5 Key Dates

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1510

Gilles Berthelot, a wealthy financier of Francis I, acquired the medieval fortress that occupied the island.
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1518

The construction of the palace: The current castle was built in record time. As at Chenonceau, it was a woman, Philippa Lesbahy, who supervised the work and imbued the place with its particular elegance.
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1791

The Biencourt family's rescue: During the Revolution, the château was bought by the Marquis de Biencourt. His family restored the monument and created the magnificent English-style landscaped park that surrounds it.
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1905

The estate was bought back by the French State for the sum of 200,000 francs. It is now managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.
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2015

A colossal project costing 6.6 million euros is restoring the roofs, the facades and recreating the famous reflecting pool in which the south facade is reflected.

The stories of your visits

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Mickael

2026-01-31

star star star star star

"Un véritable enchantement ! Ce château est sans doute l'un des plus élégants de la Loire. Sa silhouette Renaissance se reflète magnifiquement dans les eaux de l'Indre, créant un effet de miroir absolument magique. J'ai particulièrement apprécié la visite des intérieurs, restaurés avec un soin remarquable, notamment la charpente d'origine qui est une prouesse technique. Le parc à l'anglaise offre une promenade paisible et romantique, idéale pour s'évader du quotidien"

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