|
|
|
|
Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau Review
Read our Loire Valley sights reviews. Or post your own.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
- Phone: 02-47-45-42-04
- www.chateaux-france.com/azaylerideau
- Category: Castles/Palaces
- Location: Azay-le-Rideau
Fodor's Review:
The 16th-century Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was created as a literal fairy-tale castle. When it was constructed in the Renaissance era (note the Greco-Roman stone detailing), the nouveau-riche treasurer Gilles Berthelot decided he wanted to add tall corner turrets, moat, and machicolations to conjure up the distant seigneurial past when knighthood was in flower and two families, the Azays and the Ridels, ruled this terrain. It was never a serious fortress -- it certainly offered no protection to its builder when a financial scandal forced him to flee France shortly after the château's completion in 1529. For centuries the château passed from one private owner to another until it was finally bought by the State in 1905. Though the interior contains an interesting blend of furniture and artwork (one room is a homage to the Marquis de Biencourt who, in the early 20th century, led the way in renovating château interiors in sumptuous fashion -- sadly, many of his elegant furnishings were later sold), you may wish to spend most of your time exploring the enchanting gardens, complete with a moatlike lake. Innovative son-et-lumière shows are held on the grounds from 10:30 PM, May through September.
- Cost: EUR 7.50
- Open: Apr.-Sept., daily 9:30-6; Oct.-Mar., daily 10-12:30 and 2-5:30
Get Advice From Other Travelers
- Where to base ourselves for a few days in the Loire valley?
15 responses; most recent on 09/27/2008, 03:54 am - Three days in the Loire Valley, help!
12 responses; most recent on 09/18/2008, 10:22 am - Loire Valley, Normandy - Itinerary Suggestions
14 responses; most recent on 09/11/2008, 10:24 am - Loire Valley Trip Recommendations
16 responses; most recent on 09/02/2008, 12:42 pm
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>
- Travel Deals
-
Early booking deal at luxe Paris hotel$334/nt+
Perfect Escapes -
Early-booking special on deluxe Marseille hotel$199+
Perfect Escapes -
Prem+ fares to Amsterdam & Paris (one-way)$550+
OpenSkies -
Low Iceland fares & more Europe (round-trip)$472+
Icelandair - More >>
Buy the Guidebook
-
$24.95
-
$22.95
Get the Fodor's Newsletter
Read the current issue
For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Browse previous issues.
