Visiting Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Exploring Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 7/26/2024
Located in the village of Azay-le-Rideau and 50 kilometers from our VRBO "base-camp" rental in Amboise; It was built between 1518 and 1527, this
château is considered one of the foremost examples of early French renaissance architecture. Set on an island in the middle of the Indre river, this
picturesque château has become one of the most popular of the châteaux of the Loire valley. Our pre-trip research provided us with a number
of reasons why we wanted to visit this Château, ie;
- Historical Significance: Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a stunning example of French Renaissance architecture. Built in the 16th century, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents a significant period in French history. Note that the original feudal fortress was originally constructed in the 12th century and was destroyed in 1418 during the Hundred Years War.
- Architectural Beauty: The château is renowned for its elegant design and picturesque setting. Its location on an island in the middle of the Indre River adds to its charm, making it a popular destination for those interested in architecture and history.
- Gardens and Grounds: In addition to the château itself, we wanted to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding the property. These meticulously landscaped areas offer a tranquil retreat and provide excellent opportunities for photography.
- Cultural Experience: Visiting Château d'Azay-le-Rideau allowed us to immerse ourselves in French culture and history. we could learn about the lives of the nobility who once inhabited the château and gain insight into the artistic and architectural achievements of the Renaissance period.
- Location: Azay-le-Rideau is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, a region famous for its castles, vineyards, and scenic countryside. Visiting the château gave us the opportunity to explore this beautiful area and discover other nearby attractions.
Plan Your Visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
- 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.
More Info for Château d'Azay-le-Rideau 3D Map
- Wikipedia Article: Click here to view the Wikipedia Article.
- Our Image Gallery: Click here to view our Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Image Gallery.
- Google Image Gallery: Click here to view the Google Images set for Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
- Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Website: Click here to visit their Website.
- Google Reviews for 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.
All Trip Destinations
Loire Basecamp #2
Loire Basecamp #3
Dordogne Basecamp
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