chateau of azay-le-rideau

We visited this in a delightfully crisp morning and although we were in awe at the amazing setting with the Château suspended in water the scaffolding encompassing almost the entire facade did spoil the grandeur. The renovations are set to go on for the next 2.5 years and while it is essential work it will spoil the visit for some - as a result the entry fee is reduced to €6 only. Audioguides recommended for more details and be careful not to miss some of the inside as the directions for the self tour are very poor and muddled. The interior is average and our main reason for visiting was to view the outside setting so be prepared for scaffolding if this is your aim also.

Yes there are grander Chateaus but this one has a lot to offer for a little time and easy budget (Euro 6.50/pp). The surroundings are beautiful and the rooms give you more of a real sense of the true workings of a chateau of this size. Parking was convenient in a nearby lot, and easy in/out. Since we were running late in the day coming down from Paris and having stopped in Tours for a late lunch, we did not have time to visit some of the wineries of Bourgueil and Chinon as originally planned. We did not have time to walk around the town much but the drive was well worth the destination.

A beautiful place special in the end of the day. Inside it is a little bit empty. Small if we compare with the others.

The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is one of the most popular castles of the Loire valley, mostly for its look, seemingly floating on its body of water. The castle is also a private property, built by an uprising, wealthy financial advisor to the Court. Once inside, the visit of the castle is interesting, as the property remains well appointed in furniture and décor. Highly recommended, you will not be disappointed.

This is a beautiful chateau built in 1527. Many rooms are devoid of items, but the ones that do have furniture are nice. I thought the tour was rather short, and give the fact there was not much to see here, I likely would not make a return visit. The outside is fantastic, but the inside needs to be upgraded with more furnishings. Some rooms had a bed, a table, a fireplace and that was it! The attic area was completely empty. Would I visit again? No.

The Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau is located in the Loire Valley near the center of the town of Azay-le-Rideau, France. This town is about 16 miles southwest of Tours, France on Highway D571 (about half way between Tours and the medieval town if Chinon). This Chateau was actually built on the remains of an old medieval fortress that was built to protect the road between Chinon and Tours where it crossed the Indre River. This is a smaller chateau (compared to others in the Loire Valley) and was built about 1520 by a rich financier during the reign of François I. I went on a Friday afternoon in late October with my wife and really enjoyed touring this amazing Chateau. We rented audio guides and did our own self guided tour as they do not offer guided tours in October (only in the summer). We were not rushed at all as the place was not very crowded. We toured the interior and exterior of the building and also walked around the grounds. Due to its amazing 16th century architecture it looks much better from the outside than on the inside. The Chateau stands on the shoreline of an island in the middle of the Indre River and seems to rise straight out of the water (and actually seems like it is floating).I enjoyed walking through the main entrance and the grand staircase which led up to the upper floors (and each level had a window that looked back out on the entrance and the courtyard). Some of the original 16th century rooms had been remodeled over time but they were still interesting. The upper attic area had some impressive beams holding it together (which is very impressive considering it was built about 500 years ago). This was interesting but did not hold my attention for long (as there was not much else up there). The gardens and grounds were under construction so we were not able to fully explore the gardens and grounds.Overall I enjoyed touring this amazing Chateau and recommend it if you are in the area. It only takes about an hour and a half to tour and the entry fee is reasonable.

Lovely drive around the region and the town. Chateau much smaller and not as impressive as others in the area. Relaxing to wander around the property.

I was really looking forward to visiting Azay-le-Rideau based on all the reviews I read but I have to say that I was a little bit disappointed. It is beautiful on the outside but the inside had very few furnished rooms. I personally would not return again.

Until the work has been completed and the park reopened I would choose another Chateau if you are on holiday in the region.We visited on Sunday which being the first Sunday in the month was free. If I had had to pay 8.50€ which is the usual admission fee I would have been very annoyed.The rooms aren't highly decorated and the information given very patchy. Shame they don't have boards that you could look at with all the paintings on for example.It looks beautiful from the outside and I will come back and try and see next summer if the work has improved it

We had limited time in this beautiful village, and were lucky to be able to attend the chateau in the evening. The chateau is lit from the outside with changing colour lights and the interior rooms beautifully lit with "candles" - the softly lit battery style ones. There was also entertainment in the form of music ensembles and theatricals in the attic. Lots of fun and very atmospheric. Very enjoyable visit that we were not expecting.

Azay-le-Rideau is beautiful. While Worth the visit.Loved the way the castle looks when you walk down the alley.The guided tour is included in the ticket price, I recommend you take it!

The renovation works at the time of our visit were nearing completion and most of the building is fully accessible. It is a beautiful structure full of history. The timber vaulted roof structure is a masterpiece and a "must see".

Nice castle sitting on water. Unfortunately, works on the garden limit the access and the castle is barely furnished. But the aquatic landscape and refined roofwork are worth the visit. 6.50 euro entree, kids free.

With the exception of the open straight central staircase (an innovation for the time), the inside is small and not especially noteworthy compared to other chateaux. Also the attic with the traditional wood framing is impressive. The battlements and pepper-pot roofs are excellent, along with the engineering that diverted the river into a moat. A good introduction to the Loire's chateaux, with gorgeous photos from any angle. The grounds are small.

This chateau has a great interior with great antiques and picturesque exterior for great photos. The only tricky part is finding parking for it is in the middle of a small village with tight streets. I would place it up there with Chambord and Chenonceau as a must see.