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. During the Hundred Years’ War, the castle was burned in 1418 by Charles VII’s forces in retaliation for its occupation by Burgundian soldiers opposing the king.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.