Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
4.5
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, masterpiece of the Renaissance. The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built at the heart of Touraine under the patronage of François Ier, has all the charm of the Renaissance. Masterpiece of the 16th century architecture, it rises up on an island designed by the river Indre and is surrounded by a romantic 19th century park. The château has some prestigious historical decorations telling about its 4 centuries of history. It also has some sumptuous collections of items, tapestries and furniture. To be discovered : - On the ground floor : restoration of the 19th century decoration and atmosphere. - On the first floor : an immersion at the heart of the Renaissance, the great hall and its period furniture, as well as the restoration of a Renaissance chamber, whose walls are fully made of bullrushes braids. - The Pressoir (former press room), an interpretation center reachable by everyone in order to know more about the château. - The romantic park of 8ha with many points of view on the château and its water mirrors.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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33 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Danail DSofia, Bulgaria276 contributionsA castle with atmosphereThis is one of the famous smaller castles in the Loire valley. It offers nearly a fairy-tale impression above the water and in the surrounding park. I recommend the evening visit inside the castle to feel a real atmosphere of the castle centuries ago by special lighting, scents, musical extracts.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 November 2023
- Alfred HBougival, France49 contributionsIf you like Chenonceau, you will also like Azay le RideauBeautifully located Renaissance castle with very well decorated rooms. Outside parc is not as large as expected, but invites you to stroll around, having great views on the castle. Contrary to most other Loire castles, parking is not for free but nothing prevents you from searching (and finding) a place at a short walking distance - which has the advantage of letting you discover the village itself.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 May 2024
- Millie5 contributionsNearly flooded chateauI absolutely loved this chateau. It was my favourite of those I visited on this trip. They gave us a leaflet and afterwards I bought a book in English (£12). The interior was lovely and the textiles in beautiful condition. Had a lovely crepe in the tea shop. The river was on the verge of flooding with only inches under the bridge.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 July 2024
- CRPlymHythe, United Kingdom102 contributionsNice visitLovely chateau to visit. I liked how it showed how things had changed over the years. The temporary exhibition of theatrical costumes was great. Not a lot to interest my 7 year old, but since children are free this is less annoying than usual! The shop was incredibly expensive!Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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LeicestershireDex
Broughton Astley, UK203 contributions
Aug 2022
This is your picture postcard French Chateau. We did visit the last time we were in the area but couldnt go inside as restoration work was being done - that's why we came back! You can see externally the brickwork has been tidied up and the roof. The entrance fee is comparable with others we have visited but you had to pay 3Euro extra for a information phone where others have included this in the entrance price. I wouldnt visit an attraction without being able to understand the history so would recommend this. Inside the rooms are nicely arranged. Most of the furniture are reproductions of what would be on show at the time. The gardens are tidy, not the most spetacular we have seen but nice for a wander round. At the end we stopped at the cafe on site and enjoyed a cocktail each. I would recommend this chateau if you are in the area.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShaunH290
London, UK2,937 contributions
Aug 2020
The Château of Azay-le-Rideau is built on an island in the river Indre, at the heart of an 8 hectare estate. The landscaped park was developed in the 19th century, along with "water mirrors" on the south and west. These reflect the building to show it in the best way possible.
Built in 1518, the loggia staircase started a revolution in design in France, where previously spiral (circular) staircases were effectively attached to the outside of a building in towers. The straight, parallel staircases in the middle of the north facade with landings and loggias (out of step with the lines of windows) revolutionised the use of space and the circulation of the inhabitants.
Definitely one of my favourite château!
Built in 1518, the loggia staircase started a revolution in design in France, where previously spiral (circular) staircases were effectively attached to the outside of a building in towers. The straight, parallel staircases in the middle of the north facade with landings and loggias (out of step with the lines of windows) revolutionised the use of space and the circulation of the inhabitants.
Definitely one of my favourite château!
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,450 contributions
Nov 2021
Azay le Rideau was the first out of 8 chateaus we visited during our 3 days in Loire valley. The Chateau dates back to 16 c and is recognized as a Renaissance masterpiece, which is clearly visible if you just look at the photos, let alone seeing it live.
It's set on a very romantic place - on a tiny island on Indre river, encircled by hectares of woods which had spectacular colors during our autumn visit. Around the water setting enabled another amazing feature - mirror look, even on our light rainy day.
The interiors are palace like, average imo. Seeing hundreds of palaces so far, I find them pretty much the same - when you see one, you saw them all so they don't thrill me like the exterior.
Azay le Rideau is one of very few chateaus that are state owned. As a kind staff member told me there're only around 15 state owned, while all others are private.
There's a free parking lot around 300 m from the Chateau and you will pass through a very picturesque same name village while going to it.
It's set on a very romantic place - on a tiny island on Indre river, encircled by hectares of woods which had spectacular colors during our autumn visit. Around the water setting enabled another amazing feature - mirror look, even on our light rainy day.
The interiors are palace like, average imo. Seeing hundreds of palaces so far, I find them pretty much the same - when you see one, you saw them all so they don't thrill me like the exterior.
Azay le Rideau is one of very few chateaus that are state owned. As a kind staff member told me there're only around 15 state owned, while all others are private.
There's a free parking lot around 300 m from the Chateau and you will pass through a very picturesque same name village while going to it.
Written 27 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vivililiric
Saint-Cloud, France431 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
A must-visit in the region, we strongly recommend the 1-hour guided tour included in the price of the ticket, our guide Gwénola was very dynamic, fascinating and available to answer questions
The castle is very well furnished, the restoration is magnificent, its history is interesting, a big favorite! And take a tour of the castle because the views from the water mirror are very beautiful and the garden is very well maintained
Very friendly welcome at the ticket office, audio guide for 3eur per person (but take a guided tour), toilets, shop, numerous restaurants for lunch around the castle, numerous parking lots (free or paying)
The castle is very well furnished, the restoration is magnificent, its history is interesting, a big favorite! And take a tour of the castle because the views from the water mirror are very beautiful and the garden is very well maintained
Very friendly welcome at the ticket office, audio guide for 3eur per person (but take a guided tour), toilets, shop, numerous restaurants for lunch around the castle, numerous parking lots (free or paying)
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnHolidayEnVacances
Beaugency, France2,344 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It's a shame that you can't reserve a guided tour slot in advance on the website to ensure you have a place: it must be seen on site, therefore without guarantee (30 people max)
We arrived at the end of the afternoon, there were places left for 5 p.m. and we were entitled to a 1-hour visit with all the explanations from Gaël, it was absolutely GREAT!
So above all, don't hesitate to wait a little (and take a walk in the park while waiting) to get the next slot: it's really worth it to follow a professional who explains the history of the castle to you , first in front of the facade and then visiting the entire interior. We really enjoyed it!
The Chateau itself is obviously magnificent outside, but also very interesting inside, because it is richly furnished: the more you move through the rooms, the more you evolve over time, which allows you to see different layouts through the centuries.
THE LITTLE EXTRA: folding seats (see photo) that are easy to carry, available for the elderly or tired or those with reduced mobility, great idea!
In points of improvement, possibly:
1/ make reservations on the Internet please, this way we are sure to have a guided tour and we organize ourselves according to the schedule
2/ invest in an A3 laminator and print the representations in large format, we'll see better ;-)
We arrived at the end of the afternoon, there were places left for 5 p.m. and we were entitled to a 1-hour visit with all the explanations from Gaël, it was absolutely GREAT!
So above all, don't hesitate to wait a little (and take a walk in the park while waiting) to get the next slot: it's really worth it to follow a professional who explains the history of the castle to you , first in front of the facade and then visiting the entire interior. We really enjoyed it!
The Chateau itself is obviously magnificent outside, but also very interesting inside, because it is richly furnished: the more you move through the rooms, the more you evolve over time, which allows you to see different layouts through the centuries.
THE LITTLE EXTRA: folding seats (see photo) that are easy to carry, available for the elderly or tired or those with reduced mobility, great idea!
In points of improvement, possibly:
1/ make reservations on the Internet please, this way we are sure to have a guided tour and we organize ourselves according to the schedule
2/ invest in an A3 laminator and print the representations in large format, we'll see better ;-)
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danail D
Sofia, Bulgaria276 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is one of the famous smaller castles in the Loire valley. It offers nearly a fairy-tale impression above the water and in the surrounding park.
I recommend the evening visit inside the castle to feel a real atmosphere of the castle centuries ago by special lighting, scents, musical extracts.
I recommend the evening visit inside the castle to feel a real atmosphere of the castle centuries ago by special lighting, scents, musical extracts.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie Laure A
Quincieux, France958 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This castle is a real gem in its green setting. it is a huge crush!!!!
The visit is free but I recommend the presentation made in front of the castle by a Guide full of humor. She will present you the whole history of this castle.
A beautiful exhibition of stage costumes fits perfectly into the rooms of the castle.
A walk in the park is necessary.
To finish your visit stop taking a refreshment at the tea room "le wash" with splendid views of the castle
The visit is free but I recommend the presentation made in front of the castle by a Guide full of humor. She will present you the whole history of this castle.
A beautiful exhibition of stage costumes fits perfectly into the rooms of the castle.
A walk in the park is necessary.
To finish your visit stop taking a refreshment at the tea room "le wash" with splendid views of the castle
Automatically translated
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,339 contributions
May 2022
We enjoyed our experience visiting the chateau. The indoors were interesting - we especially liked the 4-story entrance stairway (with windows at each landing) and the fact that we could go up to the attic to see the ancient beams there (and apparently there are bats, although they were sleeping/not visible). We especially loved the views outdoors - the chateau is very beautiful, and when you cross the river (it's on an island) you get neat views of it reflected in the river water. The grounds were pretty, and we enjoyed exploring a little outdoors as well. We spent around an hour wandering indoors and out and felt like we had a good chance to see and explore the chateau.
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie P
35 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
2 points for the beauty of the castle. -3 for staff.
So to begin with, we prohibit dogs in the castle, ok, but we charge you full price for access to the park only (this is the only castle where we experienced this)
We decide to go for a drink in the castle grounds, the waiter brings us the cards, we make our choice. Another lady told us "no sorry we're closing, we're stopping the service". It's 6:28 p.m., end of service written at 6:30 p.m. and we've already had the cards in hand for several minutes!
As we leave our dog comes across another dog, she barks once, an employee towards the store (who was more in charge of the entrance it seems to me) allows herself to moan loudly in a very elegant way "olalalala". I wonder if she would have allowed herself the same thing with a crying child.
The castle is beautiful, fortunately because the rest needs to be seen again
So to begin with, we prohibit dogs in the castle, ok, but we charge you full price for access to the park only (this is the only castle where we experienced this)
We decide to go for a drink in the castle grounds, the waiter brings us the cards, we make our choice. Another lady told us "no sorry we're closing, we're stopping the service". It's 6:28 p.m., end of service written at 6:30 p.m. and we've already had the cards in hand for several minutes!
As we leave our dog comes across another dog, she barks once, an employee towards the store (who was more in charge of the entrance it seems to me) allows herself to moan loudly in a very elegant way "olalalala". I wonder if she would have allowed herself the same thing with a crying child.
The castle is beautiful, fortunately because the rest needs to be seen again
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China1,76,318 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This is a charming castle near the village of Azay-le-Rideau that makes for a nice place explore and spend time if you are taking in some of the castles of the Loire Valley.
Opening hours change a bit throughout the year but are roughly 9.30-10am to 5-7pm depending on the season. Consult the castle website for exact times. Entry fee is €11.50 per adult, allow 60-75 minutes for your visit. There is a public parking lot around the corner from the castle that we found to have plenty of space during the weekday that we visited recently.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was built in the early 16th-century and is considered a jewel of early French Renaissance architecture. The walk through the castle is delightful. However, equally impressive are the castle grounds situated on a small island, romantically placed amongst waters and lovely landscaped grounds. These are worth time to wander around and enjoy as well.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was one of our favourites from our trip to the Loire Valley to visit castles in the region. We would gladly return for another visit net time we are in the area.
Opening hours change a bit throughout the year but are roughly 9.30-10am to 5-7pm depending on the season. Consult the castle website for exact times. Entry fee is €11.50 per adult, allow 60-75 minutes for your visit. There is a public parking lot around the corner from the castle that we found to have plenty of space during the weekday that we visited recently.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was built in the early 16th-century and is considered a jewel of early French Renaissance architecture. The walk through the castle is delightful. However, equally impressive are the castle grounds situated on a small island, romantically placed amongst waters and lovely landscaped grounds. These are worth time to wander around and enjoy as well.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was one of our favourites from our trip to the Loire Valley to visit castles in the region. We would gladly return for another visit net time we are in the area.
Written 8 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Se pueden visitar los jardines o ver el palacio por fuera sin pagar!
Written 21 September 2019
Bonjour est il possible de faire des photos du château de l'extérieur sans devoir payer une visite ou un parking merci
Written 31 October 2018
L accès au parc est il payant?
Written 27 May 2018
l'entrée au parc est payante sauf pour les handicapés et leur accompagnant .
Written 28 May 2018
Nous avons déjà les billets. y a t il un audio guide de possible. merci
Written 19 February 2018
Oui, et il est même possible de rejoindre une visite guidée.
Written 17 February 2019
Nous avons déjà les billets. y a t il un audio guide de possible. merci
Written 19 February 2018
Bonjour, le château d'Azay-le-Rideau propose effectivement des audioguides, vous pouvez en trouver la confirmation sur le site du château, dans la rubrique "offres er services". Je vous souhaite une bonne visite, ce château est vraiment magnifique.
Written 20 February 2018
Laure M
Le May-Sur-Evre, France
Bonjour, nous aimerions visiter le château avec des enfants. Petite question y a t'il des animaux naturalisés sur la visite ?
Merci
Written 28 January 2018
Il y a beaucoup d'ânes mais ils ne sont pas tous naturalisés français. C'est pour rire §
Written 29 January 2018
Les échafaudages des travaux de ravalement qui cachaient le bel extérieur du château sont-ils toujours en place ?
merci de votre réponse
Written 27 August 2017
Chateau Azay-le-Rideau
Azay-le-Rideau, France
Bonjour Monsieur,
Nous vous remercions pour votre intérêt pour le château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
Depuis juillet 2017, soyez rassuré, le château est entièrement restauré avec un tout nouveau parcours de visite à découvrir ! N'hésitez pas à venir visiter ses intérieurs, son parc romantique ainsi qu'un nouvel espace d'interprétation !
Au plaisir de vous accueillir prochainement !
Written 29 August 2017
O Castelo estará aberto em janeiro? Qual valor do bilhete para visitação no Castelo? Merci
Written 16 August 2017
Chateau Azay-le-Rideau
Azay-le-Rideau, France
Dear Sir,
Thank you very much for your interest in Castle of Azay-le-Rideau !
Further to your request, the castle is opened all year round. We are opened in January all days (except 1st January) from 10h to 17h15 (last entrance at 16h15).
The adult price for the ticket is 10€.
Don't hesitate to contact us for any further information by phone : 00 33 247 45 42 04
Have a good day !
Best regards
Written 17 August 2017
When is the Nocturnal market on? IS it in the castle grounds? Will it have food?
Written 7 July 2017
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