Azay-Le-Rideau Castle

Built between 1518 and 1523 by Gilles Berthelot, which was at that time the Treasurer of the France´s Finances under the King Francis I, as well as mayor of the city of Tours;  the Azay-Le-Rideau castle inspires nowadays a new method of conceiving the beginning of the french Renaissance architecture.

WHAT TO SEE?

Today, the Azay-Le-Rideau castle is owned by the Government and managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.

It is one of the most popular castles in the Loire Valley region. In addition, it was declared World Heritage by the UNESCO in 2000.

Its structure is consolidated in the middle of the Indre river, on a small island of it. Its main fact is that the principle stair is located in the middle of the castle, being one of the first buildings to adquire this new perspective in its ages.

The castle itself contains both french and italian styles. You will be able to appreciate the italianized sculptural decorations, while the windows and the roof are purely french style.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT?

Azay-Le-Rideau is a castle that presents you the opportunity of being in front of a gem of the Renaissance. The park is not that big, but tourists are usually spending an average of 1 hour and a half in the place. There is no best way to visit it, you can start your visit either with the park or the castle itself.

You can take a guided tour, which is available on site, but it is just in French language. However, you will have also the opportunity of taking an audio guide, available in English and also in French, among other languages.

Want to know more about the castle? Check out more here!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Hours: open from 9:30 am to 5 or 6 pm, depending on the season
• Prices: Adults: 6,50€. Free under 18 and under 26 with a valid EU residence card.
• Access: 19, rue Balzac, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau. Access only by car or guided tour.

Additional sightseeings in the Loire Valley

Villandry Castle

Chenonceau Castle

Clos Lucé Castle