Visiting Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

The chateaux is one of the most enchanting examples of French Renaissance architecture. Its history is tied to both the political and cultural transformations of France from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

• Early History:

  The original site of Azay-le-Rideau dates back to the 12th century when it was a medieval fortress built to defend the road between Tours and Chinon. In 1418, during the Hundred Years' War, the fortress was held by Burgundian troops, enemies of the future King Charles VII. After his army stormed the castle, the Dauphin ordered the execution of the 350 soldiers inside and had the castle burned to the ground. For centuries afterward, the village was known as Azay-le-Brûlé, or "Azay the Burned".

• Renaissance Rebirth:

  In 1518, the ruins of the medieval fortress were acquired by Gilles Berthelot, a wealthy financier and Treasurer-General under King Francis I. Berthelot demolished the old fortress and began constructing the château as we see it today, blending Renaissance design elements with medieval defensive features. His ambition was to create a residence reflecting the ideals of the French Renaissance, inspired by Italian influences.

  However, Berthelot’s fortunes changed dramatically when he fell out of favor with the king, accused of embezzlement. He fled the château, which was confiscated by the crown. The estate then passed to the Raffin family, who continued its development.

• Franco-Prussian War - spared a second burning:

  The château was spared a second burning during the war of 1870–1871. When a chandelier fell near the Prussian commander, Prince Friedrich Karl, he assumed it was an assassination attempt and ordered the château set on fire. He was eventually persuaded by his officers that the falling chandelier was an accident.

• Later Ownership:

  The château remained in private hands for centuries, with various families owning it and making modest changes. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau became more of a symbol of prestige than a functional residence.

• Restoration and National Heritage:

  In 1905, the French government purchased Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and declared it a national monument. Extensive restorations were undertaken to preserve its Renaissance features, including the intricate stonework, elegant staircase, and picturesque moat that surrounds the château. These efforts have maintained its status as one of the most iconic and well-preserved châteaux in the Loire Valley.

• Current Timeframe:

  Today, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is celebrated for its architectural harmony, its idyllic location on an island in the Indre River, and its richly decorated interiors. Visitors can explore its history through restored rooms, period furnishings, and exhibits that showcase its Renaissance heritage and the lives of those who shaped it over the centuries.

  The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981, as part of the Loire Valley World Heritage Site. Click here to view our French UNESCO sites Page.

• How do I get to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?

  From Paris by Car: Drive the A-10 Autoroute from Paris, then A-85 towards Angers, exit # 9 to D-751. Total distance is 265 kilometers, approximately 3 hours driving time.

  From Paris by Train: Paris Montparnasse to Gare Azay-Le-Rideau. Hourly departures, time required is approximately 1 hour 11 minutes. The Gare is 1.8 kilometers from the Chateau. The Gare address is 7C8X+H2 Azay-le-Rideau, France

  From Tours by Car: 26 kilometer drive via the M-37 and D-751.

  From Tours by Train: Trains depart Tours (SNCF Tours-Chinon line) every 4 hours for Azay Le Rideau. The train station is a one mile walk from the chateau.

  By Bus tour: Either Viator or Get Your Guide will have bus tours that you can investigate.

• Can I get to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau by Bicycle?

  Yes, Azay-le-Rideau is located on the Bohemian Cyclo and Loire à Vélo bicycle routes.

  The monument has been awarded the Accueil Vélo label and offers all the services needed to access it comfortably by bicycle.

• Where to Park: Public payant parking is located near the Château entrance. Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for parking near Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
• Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Entrance Tickets: Entrance tickets are available for purchase online here. Adult price is currently 11,50 € per person.
• Operating Hours: Currently 10:00AM to 5:15PM, 7 days per week.
• Nearby Restaurants: After our chateau exploration, we had espresso and pastries at Restaurant CÔTÉ Cour, good quality, friendly staff. Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for restaurants near Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
• Nearby Accommodations: Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for accommodations near Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.

• Visiting the château:

    How long does a typical visit take?

  A standard visit, including a walk through the castle interiors and the English-style gardens, usually takes about one hour.

    When is the best time to visit?

  The spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the summer high season. During the spring, the gardens are in bloom, and in autumn, you can enjoy the fall foliage.

    Do I need to book tickets in advance?

  It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, as timed entry is not required. However, purchasing tickets online can help you avoid potential lines upon arrival.

    Are there audio guides available?

  Yes, multilingual audio guides are available for a small fee. They offer nearly two hours of commentary on the château's history, architecture, and collections. There is also a junior version for children.

    Are there guided tours?

  Free guided tours are available in French, and registration is done at the reception desk. These tours cannot be booked in advance.

• Accessibility and specific rules:

    Is the château accessible for people with reduced mobility?

  The château is partially accessible. Free entry is provided for visitors with disabilities and their companions. However, only the ground floor of the castle is wheelchair-accessible, as the upper floors require climbing staircases.

    Are dogs allowed?

  Yes, dogs on a leash are allowed in the park and gardens. Small dogs may be carried in a bag inside the castle, and assistance dogs are permitted everywhere on the premises.

    Are strollers allowed?

  Strollers are permitted in the park but not inside the château itself.

    Can we picnic on the grounds?

  No, picnics are not allowed within the monument grounds.

    Is flash photography allowed inside?

  Photography without flash is allowed inside the castle.

• Ticket information and free entry:

    When can I get free admission?

  The château offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month from November through March, as well as on the third weekend of September for European Heritage Days.

    Who else gets free entry?

  Admission is free for all visitors under 18, and for EU residents and long-term non-EU French residents aged 18–25.

• The château and its history:

    What is Château d'Azay-le-Rideau known for?

  The château is considered a masterpiece of early French Renaissance architecture. Built on an island in the Indre River, its unique setting and beautiful facade reflecting in the water give it a romantic and elegant appearance.

    Who built the château?

  The château was built by Gilles Berthelot, a financier for King Francis I, during the early 16th century.

    What can I see inside?

  The interior features a grand Renaissance staircase, opulent Neo-Renaissance decorations from the 19th century, and collections of 16th- and 17th-century tapestries and royal portraits.

    What happened during the recent renovations?

  The château underwent a major restoration project that was completed in 2017. The renovations included restoring the slate roof and refurnishing the ground floor to reflect the style of the Biencourt family, who owned the castle in the 19th century.

The first column below ("All Trip Destinations") lists all of our major trip destinations (for this trip) and the next four columns list each of our trip "basecamps" and then a list of what we explored from that basecamp. Each destination name is linked to it's page - so all you need to do is click that name.

NOTE: The Trip Itinerary & Overview Page is where you should start your viewing.

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations & Information Pages, click any link to go to that page.