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Book Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets | Loire Valley
- Head to the Azay-le-Rideau standing in the calm waters of the Indre River and surrounded by parkland and open woodland. Please find the map of the Loire Valley castles here.
- Built in the early 16th century by a wealthy financier, Gilles Berthelot, the Azay-le-Rideau Castle is smaller and less 'ostentatious' than many of the castles in the region and is a masterpiece of French & Italian architecture that helped herald the Renaissance style into France.
- Situated on the Indre River, the picturesque Azay-le-Rideau Castle provides for a great reflection of itself. Don't miss out on the photo opportunities here!
- Explore the bedrooms which are particularly ornate with silk drapes, gold and silver embroidery, fine tapestries on the walls, and as well as a selection of paintings.
- Stroll through the lovely old streets, artisan shops, and along the beautiful River Indre, at Azay-le-Rideau.
- Head to the Azay-le-Rideau standing in the calm waters of the Indre River and surrounded by parkland and open woodland. Please find the map of the Loire Valley castles here.
- Built in the early 16th century by a wealthy financier, Gilles Berthelot, the Azay-le-Rideau Castle is smaller and less 'ostentatious' than many of the castles in the region and is a masterpiece of French & Italian architecture that helped herald the Renaissance style into France.
- Situated on the Indre River, the picturesque Azay-le-Rideau Castle provides for a great reflection of itself. Don't miss out on the photo opportunities here!
- Explore the bedrooms which are particularly ornate with silk drapes, gold and silver embroidery, fine tapestries on the walls, and as well as a selection of paintings.
- Stroll through the lovely old streets, artisan shops, and along the beautiful River Indre, at Azay-le-Rideau.
Inclusions
- Entry to Azay-le-Rideau Castle
- Tip: Don't miss the wine press and its interpretation spaces filled with paintings and carvings!
- Please note that there is free admission during the following days: European Heritage Days on the third weekend of Sep, and every first Sunday of the month from Nov to Mar.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Hop on 8-seater minivan from either Ambroise or Tours, according to your choice, and go on a guided tour to explore Villandry castle, Azay-le-Rideau and
- En route, admire the Cher and Indre rivers and charming towns, with your English-speaking guide enlightening you about the region's history.
- One of the highlights of your day awaits with the exploration of Villandry Castle's exquisite formal gardens—a masterpiece of beautifully manicured landscapes.
- Swing by the Azay-le-Rideau Castle, known for its unique straight staircase, and see your reflection mirrored on the Indre River.
- Enhance your understanding of winemaking as you tour the traditional vat room, culminating in a tasting of 4 delightful local wines.
- Hop on 8-seater minivan from either Ambroise or Tours, according to your choice, and go on a guided tour to explore Villandry castle, Azay-le-Rideau and
- En route, admire the Cher and Indre rivers and charming towns, with your English-speaking guide enlightening you about the region's history.
- One of the highlights of your day awaits with the exploration of Villandry Castle's exquisite formal gardens—a masterpiece of beautifully manicured landscapes.
- Swing by the Azay-le-Rideau Castle, known for its unique straight staircase, and see your reflection mirrored on the Indre River.
- Enhance your understanding of winemaking as you tour the traditional vat room, culminating in a tasting of 4 delightful local wines.
Inclusions
- Full-day guided tour from Amboise or Tours: (optional)
- 8-seater air-conditioned vehicles
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- 4/5 wine tasting
- Entrance fees
- Tip: Try Vouvray wines' diversity by sampling across sweetness levels: sec (dry), demi-sec (off-dry), moelleux (semi-sweet), and doux (sweet).
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography and tripods are a no-go inside the venue.
- A minimum of 2 participants is required for a tour. If the count is not met, the tour might get cancelled.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Loire Valley
Your Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets Explained
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is one of the Loire Valley’s most prestigious castles, promising a long-lasting impression. This moat-ringed fortress has plenty of sights to behold, starting on the outside: the architecture, laced with French-Renaissance styling. Built in the middle of the Indre River, this castle is complete with fairy-tale turrets, elegant windows, high slate roofs, and intricate stonework: and that’s all before you even head inside!
As you walk in, take advantage of your skip-the-line ticket that lets you walk right into the castle without wasting time in ticketing lines. Traipse through heavily-adorned rooms under elaborate ceiling decorations in a variety of period styles. Make sure you take in the Italian-style loggia staircase that overlooks the central courtyard, decorated with ermines and salamanders. When you’re done exploring the castle’s interiors, step into the English-style gardens and soak up the beauty of d'Azay-le-Rideau!
Things to Do at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Must-Visit Rooms
Following the castle’s refurnishing, guests now get a taste of how the rooms looked when they were occupied by the Marquis of Biencourt in the mid-19th century! Apart from the bedroom, the salon, central room, and fireplace are rather breathtaking and exude royalty.
A Renaissance Bedroom
The bedroom of Philippe Lesbahy and her husband, Gilles Berthelot may not look like much at first, but the reconstruction of the bedroom’s highlights (the woven reeds, the bed, and the trunk) is quite mesmerizing. Fun fact: Archives and iconographic studies were used to reproduce the bed textiles!
The Park
After exploring the castle’s interiors, head out for a breath of fresh air. The site topology of Azay and the abundance of water make it an idyllic site to unwind. Find exotic flora species from North America, South America, and Asia here as well.
Northern Façade
The northern façade is the first to greet your eye as you arrive at the château. This façade blends French tradition with Gothic art to create a true masterpiece of architecture. Look out for the sculpted decorations that continue inside the castle also!
Southern Façade
If you want to see the château reflected in a water mirror, head over to the southern façade. Find out why it was called a “faceted diamond” here. You will also get a view of the corner tower, large bay windows, machicolations, tall dormers, and more.
Explore Azay-le-Rideau
Originally the site of a Roman villa, the town of Azay-le-Rideau lies along the beautiful Indre River. It is known for its maze of narrow streets and the lovely château that projects out onto the river. Here are some things you can do while you're in town:
1. Experience the Romance of Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
The biggest attraction in town, without a doubt, is the Renaissance-style Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Surrounded by a wooded park and overlooking the river Indre, this romantic castle is stunning both inside and out.
2. Go Wine Tasting
There is historical evidence that winegrowing in the Touraine began in Azay le Rideau, during the time of the Gallo-Roman Empire. Take your time exploring the vineyards around the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, known for producing delicious white and rosé wines.
3. Visit the Curious Musée Maurice Dufresne
Monsieur Dufresne was an avid collector of all sorts of things. Find here, inside the museum, amazing collections of vintage vehicles, posters and peculiar objects – even a mobile guillotine!
4. Picnic at Château de l’Islette
Not part of the usual tourist route, Château de l’Islette is a hidden gem. This is where Rodin conducted his stormy love affair with fellow artist Camille Claudel. Relax in its charming gardens, perfect for a picnic or enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
5. Stroll Through the City Center
Walk through Azay-le-Rideau’s historic center, mostly located along rue Balzac (the road between the castle and the Place de la Republique). In the Rue de l'Abreuvoir, to the west of the centre, you will find a watermill at the southern end and a mix of Renaissance and 19th-century buildings.
6. See the Saint-Symphorien Church
The church’s origins go back all the way to the 6th century. When its stained glass roofs were destroyed during the Second World War, they were replaced in 1955 by modern stained glass windows, which are the works of master glassmaker Max Ingrand.
Loire Valley Castles
The Loire Valley is known for its fairytale castles, enchanting countryside, and superb wines. Not for nothing is this region known as the "Garden of France." In fact, the entire area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! With more than 100 châteaux open to the public, there's quite a bit to explore, but here’s our list of the most famous castles:
Château de Chambord
The 16th-century Château de Chambord is the inspiration behind the castle in Beauty and the Beast! A major highlight of the castle is its legendary double-helix staircase, which was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the castle and explore it at your own pace.
Château d’Amboise
The Château d’Amboise stands high on a hill overlooking the Loire river and the village of Amboise. Get priority access to the château with these skip-the-line tickets, enjoy the stunning views from the hill and visit the small chapel where Leonardo da Vinci was buried.
Château de Chenonceau
Besides being home to one of the world's most beautiful gardens, the Chenonceau Castle is known for its exciting history. Six queens and powerful women fought over this castle, and each made their own additions to the gardens!
Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Thanks to its colorful history and spectacular gardens, the Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is both educational and fun to visit. It has survived being burnt to the ground, extreme political rivalry, and the revolution!
Château de Blois
Known for its awe-inspiring architecture, the Château de Blois is one of Loire's finest castles. Key things to explore here are King Louis XII's Gothic wing, as well as the royal apartments, and the famed see-and-be-seen staircase!
Château d’Angers
Located in the heart of Angers, the mighty fortress of Château d'Angers offers spectacular views of the city and river. Get skip-the-line tickets and see the 104-meter-long Apocalypse tapestry that illustrates the Book of Revelations.
Château du Clos Lucé
Known for being Leonardo da Vinci’s last home, the Château du Clos Lucé boasts a wide display of the Italian maestro’s best inventions. Find here architectural wonders such as the Articulated Glider, the Tank, the Catapult, the Mechanical Drum, and more.
Where is Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a popular castle of Loire Valley in France. It is located in the French town Azay-le-Rideau of the Indre-et-Loire department. It is built on an island of the Indre river at Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France. The Azay-le-Rideau town has two railway station Tours and Saint-Pierre-des-Corps as SNCF Tours-Chinon line, with Azay train station being just 2 kms away from the chateau.
Plan Your Visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Timings
Getting There
Accessibility
Nearby
From April 1 to June 30: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
From July 1 to August 31: 9:30 AM to 7 PM
From September 1 to 30: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Last Access: 1 hour before closing
Note: Free access to the park during the last hour.
Closed On: 1 January, 1 May & 25 December.
Best Time To Visit: Visit Château d'Azay-le-Rideau in the months of May, June, July, August, September, or October for pleasant climatic conditions. Beat crowds by visiting during the week, in the morning or late evening (closer to opening or closing times).
Address: Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France
By Train: The town is served by the SNCF Tours-Chinon line, within walking distance to the Château.
By Car: If you’re driving from Tours, take exit no. 11, D 751, and drive towards Chinon. If you’re driving from Poitiers, take N 10 to Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, then D760 and D57 to Azay-le-Rideau.
Cycling Routes: The town of Azay-le-Rideau is located on the Loire à Vélo and Indre à Vélo cycle routes.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Photography allowed
- No flash photography
- Dogs allowed (on leash)
- Strollers not allowed
- Luggage storage unavailable
Musée Maurice Dufresne: Located near the Château of Azay-le-Rideau, it is a technological history museum located at Marnay.
Château de l'Islette: It a beautiful 16th century castle in Loire Valley, known for its castle's architecture and gardens.
Castle of Aulée: Famous for its wine collection, it is one of the most popular places to visit for tourists.
Château de Saché: Converted from the remains of a feudal castle, Château de Saché is famous for being the house of French writer French writer Honoré de Balzac.
All Your Questions About Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets Answered
Q. Are Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets available online now?
A. Yes, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets are available online.
Q. Do my Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets include skip the line access?
A. Yes, your Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets include skip-the-line access.
Q. What public safety measures are in place at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?
A. The château has several safety measures in place in light of COVID-19. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the château at any given time. Wearing a mask is mandatory when inside, and there is hand sanitizer gel available at the entrance so you can sanitize your hands before you go in. Further, the château encourages social distancing as well as the use of credit cards for purchases.
Q. What is the cancellation policy for my Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets?
A. Your Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets can be canceled 24 hours before the scheduled date of your visit.
Q. What are Château d'Azay-le-Rideau hours?
A. The opening timings of Château d'Azay-le-Rideau are: from April 1 to June 30 it is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, from July 1 to August 31 it is open from 9:30 AM to 7 PM and from September 1 to 30 it is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Q. What is the best way to get to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?
A. The best way to get to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is by train or car.
Q. Are guided tours of Château d'Azay-le-Rideau available?
A. Guided tours can be scheduled upon request.
Q. Are audio guides available for visitors at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?
Q. Audio guides are temporarily unavailable. You may download the handy guidebook to help navigate your way through the castle before your visit.
Q. What is the best time to visit Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?
A. The months of May, June, July, August, September, and October are considered ideal to visit Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. To avoid crowds, visit mid-week, closer to the opening or closing times.
Q. Are all rooms of Château d'Azay-le-Rideau accessible?
A. To ensure your safety during the visit, the kitchen, the pantry, and the attic are temporarily closed. All other rooms are accessible.
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