Resting on an island in the river Indre, chateau Azay-le-Rideau is one of the loveliest and most visited in the Loire Valley. It was built during the reign of François I in the Renaissance style by Gilles Berthelot on the site of a former small fortified castle, its turreted façade is reflected in the still waters of the river making time itself appear to stand still.

The small turrets suspended over the water are testimony to the woman who had inspired the chateau’s design, Philippe Lesbahy, the courageous wife of Gilles Berthelot who was unable to complete the reconstruction after the disgrace and then the death of her husband. The house with all the refinements of Renaissance architecture, its high roofs, and turrets, long rows of windows and dormer-windows and majestic Italian structure gives the building its symmetrical facade. The grand staircase in the courtyard is a splendid example of a master craftsman at work and has to be seen.

 

 

 

 

Inside the chateau all the rooms are furnished, which is not true of all the chateaus of the Loire, in a variety of period styles making the visit even more pleasurable.

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Should you wish to stay on to view the elaborate son-et-lumière (sound and light) show, which is one of the best in the region , it takes place, July 1st to August 31st daily at 9.00pm 'til midnight and  this year (2010) it has a new format.