Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Castle · Tours, Centro-Vale do Loire
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Renaissance castle built between 1518 and 1524 on the Indre river, with part of the structure supported on piles in the water.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was built between 1518 and 1524, during the reign of Francis I, for Gilles Berthelot, the king's treasurer. It stands on an island in the Indre river, on the site of an earlier fortress, and part of it is supported on piles in the riverbed, which makes the castle appear to float on the water.
The writer Honoré de Balzac, who stayed in Saché nearby, described the castle as a cut diamond set into the Indre. The building was extensively restored in the 19th century in a neo-Renaissance style and was purchased by the French State in 1905.
The visit includes the large straight-flight staircase, one of the first of its kind in France, and furnished rooms. Around it lies a park with reflecting pools that mirror the façade.
It is one of the most visited castles in the Loire Valley and is managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 for the castle and the park.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the light hits the façade and the reflecting pools mirror the castle. From April to October the park is greener.
How to get there
Regional trains (TER) link Tours to Azay-le-Rideau in about 30 minutes; from the station to the castle is roughly 2 km on foot. By car it's about 25 km from Tours.
Tip
Walk around the park to see the façade reflected in the water. Combine with Villandry, about 10 km away. Opening times vary by season: check before you go.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Why does Azay-le-Rideau seem to float?
The castle stands on an island in the Indre river and part of the structure rests on piles in the river. The park's reflecting pools reinforce the effect.
Can you go by train?
Yes. Regional trains depart from Tours and take about 30 minutes. From the station to the castle it's about a 2 km walk.
How much time should you allow?
About 1h30 for the interior and the grounds.