The Château of Azay-le-Rideau

The refinement of an early Renaissance château reflected in water

Standing on an island in the middle of the Indre River, the Château of Azay-le-Rideau, one of the finest Château de la Loire, was built during the reign of François I by a rich financier, Gilles Berthelot, who wanted his fabulous new home to combine the latest technical innovations from Italy and the art of French architecture.

The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a jewel of the early Renaissance and in the evenings during July and August, its romantic gardens come alive as the setting of the special night tour: "The Magic Mirror".

The castle opens the doors to its roof. Come admire the exceptional 16th century roofwork.

The site was designated world heritage site by UNESCO.

Tour

• Unaccompanied tour with guide booklet: French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese,Chinese, Russian, Polish

• Reservations required

• Audio-Guide tour: French, English, German, Italian, Spanish

• Reservations required
Duration: 1 hr 30 min

• Guided tour: French

• Reservations required (upon availabilities)
Duration: 45 min

• Lecture tour: French, English, Italian, Spanish

• Reservations required
Duration: 1 hr 30 min

• Night-show “The Magic Mirror” - In July and August: every night, from 9 p.m. to midnight, enjoy aspectacular new light-and-sound show involving performers, animals and special effects. Themagical atmosphere brings visitors face to face with a chattering cockerel, eagles, camels and other unusual animals while Beauty recountsher story on the château facade.

• Prestigious visit outside standard opening hours

Reservation required

Access

• On the main Paris-Bordeaux road
• 27 km from Tours
• A10 Paris-Bordeaux highway, exit 14 Joue-les-Tours
• Located in town center

Contact

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
37190 Azay-le-Rideau

Reservations from Monday to Friday
Tel: +33 (0)2 47 45 42 04
Email: chateau.azay-le-rideau@monuments-nationaux.fr