Azay-le-Rideau
Loire Valley
Loire Valley Chateaux - Azay-le-Rideau
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 chateaus of the
Loire
, in a
variety of period styles making the visit even more
pleasurable.
T
here 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.
Should you wish to stay on to view 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 daily at 9.00pm 'til midnight.
Open every day
October to March : 10 am to 5:15 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 : 8,50 €
Reduced rate : 5,50
€
Visit official website of the chateau here
Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau on Wikipedia
Directions and time to Azay-le-Rideau
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"Author: Jim
Craig"
Rentals
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