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Just 2 hours from Paris, this beautiful castle looks like it's floating on the water

undefined undefined 23 mai 2026 undefined 08h30

The Editor

© Jardins de France

Grab your tickets to Tours and get ready to discover the château of Azay-le-Rideau: the most poetic stop on the Loire Valley castle tour. With its enormous English-style garden, shimmering water reflections, and romantic pathways surrounding the building, it's the perfect place for an introspective stroll, to clear your mind in a lovely green spot, or maybe even to impress your date—who knows!

Built between 1518 and 1527, this castle in the Loire Valley is a true masterpiece of the Renaissance: at the crossroads of French and Italian styles. But what gives it its unique charm is the fact that it reflects in the Indre, creating the impression that it floats on the water.


The Monica Bellucci of the Loire castles

Both Franco-Italian, they each evoke in their own way timeless beauty, refinement, gentleness, and elegance. While the château of Azay-le-Rideau is still far from being named for a César, it too receives awards acknowledging its status. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000, it is sometimes even considered the most photogenic castle in the Pays de la Loire.

Even as a novice, you'll be amazed by ">the architecture of this monument. The facade is both impressive and refined, with its thousand and one geometric details. Once inside, you'll come face to face with the honor staircase, not in a spiral but featuring a straight ramp: THE major innovation of this site.

Restored between 2014 and 2017 for the modest sum of 8 billion euros and less classic than Cheverny, less mainstream than Chenonceau, and less extravagant than Chambord, Azay-le-Rideau represents the perfect compromise to appreciate the classic French heritage and forget about never-ending and sleepy visits.



The jewel in the crown

But, as we mentioned earlier, that’s not the only interesting thing about this area. First of all, the 8-hectare garden surrounding the castle is simply stunning and offers numerous views of the monument from different angles. In a romantic atmosphere, you'll find a delightful array of exotic plants and landscape artworks.

Additionally, we recommend taking a little detour to visit the little sister of the château d’Azay-le-Rideau: the Château de l’Islette, which was once home to Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin.

Now, you absolutely must go and discover the region of Azay-le-Rideau: there’s no other choice.

 

Château National of Azay-le-Rideau
37190, Azay-le-Rideau
Every day 
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM 
Admission fee: 16 € 
More info