Resting on an island in the river Indre,chateau Azay-le-Rideau is one of the loveliest and most visited chateau of  the Loire Valley. It was built during the reign of François I in the Renaissance style by Gilles Berthelot on the site of a former small fortified castle, its turreted façade is reflected in the still waters of the river making time itself appear to stand still.

The small turrets suspended over the water are testimony to the woman who had inspired the chateau’s design, Philippe Lesbahy, the courageous wife of Gilles Berthelot who was unable to complete the reconstruction after the disgrace and then the death of her husband

 

 

 

Inside the chateau all the rooms are furnished, which is not true of all the chateaux of the Loire Valley,in a variety of period styles making the visit even more pleasurable.

There is a wonderful view of the gardens from the chateau, these are well worth a walk round to view the many examples of ‘world trees’ offering shade from the hot summer’s sun.

Open every day
October to March : 10 am to 5:00 pm
April to June and in September : 9:30 am to 6 pm
July and August : 9:30 am to 7 pm
Last admissions 1h before closing. 

Closed 
on January 1, May 1 and December 25

 

Adult rate : 10.50 € 
Reduced rate : 8.50 €

 

Free on the first Sunday of the month from November to March

 

The elaborate son-et-lumière (sound and light) show, which is one of the best in the region, it takes place, during July and August.

 

To get directions and time to Azay-le-Rideau, type in your post code or your starting point,  i.e.: 'Paris'