Azay-le-Rideau castle
Famous Renaissance castle built on an island in the Loire tributary Indre. The river is usually still and mirror-like at this point, adding a great deal to the beauty of the location. In 1119, the lord Ridel of Azay gives to the city his name of Azay le Rideau.
Gilles Berthelot, state treasurer of Francois- I began building on this already-fortified site, that was partly his wife’s inheritance. Over the centuries, it changed hands several times until the early part of the twentieth century, when it was purchased by the French government and restored.
Today the house is all the refinements of Renaissance architecture, with’s high roofs, tall watch-turrets, long rows of windows and dormer-windows. The building has a central staircase, Azay’s greatest innovation.
Like the other chateaux, this residence is open to the public and filled with period furnishings. Every room is beautifully decorated! The library- With its fireplace, the library offers a wall covering made of wooden boards and painted canvas.
It also offers its visitors the chance to discover an extensive collection of tables, tapestries and antique furniture and has been a favourite among Loire Valley. Symbolically reminiscent of late 15th century.
