Château of Azay-le-Rideau Skip-the-Line Ticket
ID: GYG75032-105660
Category:
Country: France
Description
Take a guided tour of the newly renovated 16th century Château of Azay-le-Rideau, lying in the center of the Indre River in the stunning Loire Valley. Discover new collections, mobile applications and a romantic park!
The Château of Azay-le-Rideau was built in the heart of Loire Valley during the reign of François I, and offers all the charm of the Renaissance. It is a 16th-century architectural masterpiece, rising up from an island formed by the Indre River, and is situated within a romantic 19th-century park. The château boasts a colorful history. In 1510, Gilles Berthelot acquired the seigneurie and fortress of Azay, rebuilding it in the sumptuous Italian style that was popular at the time. After Berthelot's relative Semblança, who had been aiding Berthelot in building his wealth in the region, was accused of embezzlement and executed, Berthelot fled. The château was then given by François I to his companion-in-arms, Antoine Rafin, and his descendants, who lived there until the 18th century, after which it fell into the possession of the Marquis Charles de Biencourt, responsible for the château's beautiful gardens.
Having undergone an extensive restoration program, the château also offers a new experience: new highlighted collections, a dream-like tour path, mobile tour guide applications, the romantic park and so on. Not to be missed: the living room and dining room of the Marquis of Biencourt (19th century décors), the atmospheric staging of the kitchen, the new interpretation area.
The sight is protected by UNESCO, and features gothic motifs, a royal apartment used by Louis XIII in 1619, stunning Renaissance ornamentation and façades that overlook the lakes, with apartments embellished with overhanging corner turrets.
Highlights
- Discover an architectural jewel set within a romantic park in the Loire Valley's Indre River
- Explore the 19th-century living and dining rooms of the Marquis of Biencourt
- Enjoy the fruits of an exceptional restoration programme
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please note that this attraction closes at 4:00 PM on 24th December and 31st December
• Admission is free for those under 18 and visitors under 26 with EU ID
• To have access to the monument free of charge, visitors under 18 years of age or EU citizens under 26 must show a photo ID with a picture at the ticketing station first before going to the entrance of the monument
• Last entry into the château is 1 hour before closing time
• The average length of a visit is 1.5 hours
• Tea rooms are open from April 1-September 30
• Guided tours are in French, with audio guides available in French, English, German, Italian, and Spanish
• Adapted tours for disabled visitors
You are required to bring and wear a mask
CHÂTEAU D’AZAY-LE-RIDEAU 37190 Azay-le-Rideau.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
