Overview

Azay le Rideau, in the heart of the Loire Valley, is most famous for it’s Renaissance Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built on an island in River Indre. The fairytale castle is a blend of French tradition and innovative Italian décor, it is an icon of the new art of building in the Loire Valley in the 16th century. Its successive owners have helped to make it the most architecturally harmonious treasure in the Loire Valley. In 1905, The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau came under State ownership.

Things to see and do

Start with a stroll down rue de Balzac, the road which leads to the gates of the chateau. Lined with galleries, boutiques and cafés, it’s a charming street and a perfect place to stop and watch the world go by from a terrace.

Relax in the secret garden in front of the chateau. Just to the right of the chateau as you approach it, the garden is filled with seasonal flowers and herbs. Enjoy the wine from the region, this area offers some fabulous vineyards producing Touraine wines that include dry whites, sweet wines, reds, rosés and sparkling wines. There is a Loire Valley wine route that takes you through vineyards and domaines along the country lanes of this beautiful region. There’s evidence that vines have been grown in the area since Gallo-Roman times and the wines of Touraine-Azay le Rideau are witness to this.

Make sure to sample the mouthwatering Touraine cheeses such as Sainte-Maure de Touraine, a sharp goats cheese that pairs perfectly with the wines of the area.

Take time to discover the Monseiur Dufresne, located just outside the Azay le Rideau city center. Set on an island, the museum houses all types of fun and quirky things. You’ll find a fantastic collection of ancient vehicles, cars, bicycles, planes, trucks, motorbikes, tractors, agricultural or military machinery, vintage posters and unique objects. There are over 3,000 pieces to be discovered.

Enjoy strolling through the charming little streets of the city center that offer several restuarants set in the beautiful stone-built village. And if you’re there in the evening, it is worth taking a peak at the famous Chateau after sunset. The gates typically stay open late, allowing visitors to wander through the fragrant gardens. It is a beautiful sight to see the fairytale castle lit up against a twilight sky.

Château of Azay-le-Rideau

Standing proud on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the Château of Azay-le-Rideau is one of the finest Châteas of the Loire Valley, built during the reign of Francois I. The special position gives it a ‘water mirror’ effect, where the small but statuesque building is perfectly reflected in the glass-like river below. The castle was built to blend the art of French Renaissance architecture, and the latest Italian décor.

The Chateau today, a designated UNESCO world heritage site, is under state ownership and it is one of the absolute jewels of the Loire Valley. Remarkably pretty inside and out, the river that surrounds it reflects its beauty with its elegant turrets, perfectly proportioned windows, beautiful stonework and steep slate roofs. The interior decor is beautifully furnished and decorated with tapestries and paintings and the most fascinating artworks. Automatons bring the castle to life, whirling figures, dancing cake stands, swishing curtains, all offering a magical touch to the chateaux's ambiance.

Between 2015 to 2017 the lovely English-style gardens were restored and partly replanted; the Jardin des Secrets (April to September) features heritage vegetables and flowers.

The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a jewel of the early Renaissance and in the evenings during July and August, its beautiful gardens come alive as the setting of the special night tour: "The Magic Mirror." Every night from 9pm to midnight, enjoy a fabulous light-and-sound show involving performers, animals and special effects.

Unaccompanied tours are available with guide booklets in English. Audio-Guide Tours are available in English as well, reservations required. Guided tours are about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Chateaux's Nearby

Close by is the Chateau de l’Islette. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and not on the main tourist route. Still lived in, the pretty Renaissance chateau is known locally as the little sister of the Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau.

In nearby Amboise, visit Chateau du Cloux (now Clos Luce), home of Leonardo da Vinci from 1516 to 1519. Da Vinci accepted an invitation from French King Francois to live and work in France. This castle is close to the Royal Castle of Amboise.

The Chateau de Chenonceau located in Blois is a crown property, and once a royal residence. It is known for its richness of its collections, its exquisite furniture and it's beautiful decorations. It is also unusual for having been owned, administered and protected by a number of extraordinary women, who made their mark on history.