Chateau Azay le Rideau
Visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance masterpiece. Explore its iconic reflecting pool, stunning architecture, and romantic gardens in the heart of the Loire Valley.
Chateau Azay le Rideau
Visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance masterpiece. Explore its iconic reflecting pool, stunning architecture, and romantic gardens in the heart of the Loire Valley.
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About Chateau Azay le Rideau
Add to favoritesThe 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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castle
1510
Gilles Berthelot, a wealthy financier of Francis I, acquired the medieval fortress that occupied the island.
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castle
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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castle
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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castle
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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square_foot
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.
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