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
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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.
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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 (External link)