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Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets | Loire Valley Castles
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- Head to the Azay-le-Rideau standing in the calm waters of the Indre River and surrounded by parkland and open woodland. Check out the Loire Valley castles map here.
- Smaller and less 'ostentatious' than many of the castles in the region the Azay-le-Rideau Castle is a masterpiece of French & Italian architecture that helped herald the Renaissance style in to France.
- Explore the bedrooms which are particularly ornate with silk drapes, gold and silver embroidery, fine tapestries on the walls, and as well as a selection of paintings.
- Marvel at the level of detail in the ceiling decorations and stroll through the well-maintained English-style gardens that surround the castle.
- Head to the Azay-le-Rideau standing in the calm waters of the Indre River and surrounded by parkland and open woodland. Check out the Loire Valley castles map here.
- Smaller and less 'ostentatious' than many of the castles in the region the Azay-le-Rideau Castle is a masterpiece of French & Italian architecture that helped herald the Renaissance style in to France.
- Explore the bedrooms which are particularly ornate with silk drapes, gold and silver embroidery, fine tapestries on the walls, and as well as a selection of paintings.
- Marvel at the level of detail in the ceiling decorations and stroll through the well-maintained English-style gardens that surround the castle.
- Tip: Don't miss the wine press and its interpretation spaces filled with paintings and carvings!
- Please note that there is free admission during the following days: European Heritage Days on the third weekend of Sep, and every first Sunday of the month from Nov to Mar.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, you can use them any time until 13 May, 2027.
- These tickets are valid until 13 May, 2027.
Loire ValleyChâteau d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets
Top things to do in Loire Valley
Loire Valley Castles
- Distance from Paris: Approximately 270 km (168 miles)
- Nearest train station: Azay-le-Rideau, Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France
- Nearest airport: Tours Val de Loire Airport, 40 Rue de l'Aéroport, 37100 Tours, France
- Nearest castles: Villandry
- Nearest cities: Tours, Chinon, Saumur
Why visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
- French Renaissance gem: The château is a stunning example of early French Renaissance architecture, blending medieval defensive elements with elegant Renaissance aesthetics. Visitors can marvel at the intricate stonework, sculpted dormer windows, and the grand staircase at the castle.
- Early 16th-century marvel: Built in the early 16th century by Gilles Berthelot, the château has witnessed centuries of French history and offers a glimpse into the lives of the nobility during the Renaissance. The rooms are furnished with period pieces, tapestries, and artworks that transport visitors back in time.
- Unique location: The château is uniquely situated on an island in the Indre River, surrounded by water, which creates stunning reflections and enhances its fairy-tale appearance. Located about 25 kilometers from Tours, the château is easily accessible by car or public transportation, making it a convenient day trip from major cities in the Loire Valley.
- Family-friendly: The château is a great destination for families, with activities and tours suitable for children and adults alike. The serene environment of the château and its gardens offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to relax and rejuvenate.
Which Château d'Azay-le-Rideau ticket is best for you?
If you are on a budget
Go for: Standard tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: No
- With standard entry tickets, you get full access to the castle at a budget-friendly price.
- Explore more by clubbing your visit to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau with other castles in the Loire Valley such as Amboise, Chambord and Chenonceau.
Recommended tours
If you are an enthusiastic explorer
Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: No
- Explore more with combo tickets that let you visit other Loire Valley castles, such as Chenonceau and Chambord with the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
- With combo tickets you can explore other castles in the Loire Valley as well.
Recommended tours
What to see at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Northern façade
The northern façade is the first to greet your eye as you arrive at the château. This façade blends French tradition with Gothic art to create a true masterpiece of architecture. Look out for the sculpted decorations that continue inside the castle also!
Southern façade
If you want to see the château reflected in a water mirror, head over to the southern façade. Find out why it was called a “faceted diamond” here. You will also get a view of the corner tower, large bay windows, machicolations, tall dormers, and more.
Grand staircase
Synonymous with French Renaissance architecture, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau features a grand helical staircase that is adorned with intricately carved stone balustrades and decorative elements, reflecting the high artistic standards of the Renaissance period.
King’s bedroom
The King’s bedroom (though uninhabited) is literally ‘fit for a King,’ and features a grand canopy bed, rich tapestries, elaborate wall coverings, and ornate furniture. The decor also includes elements like gilded wood, intricate carvings, and luxurious fabrics such as velvet and silk.
Salon Biencourt
Named after the Biencourt family, who owned the château in the 19th century, the Salon Biencourt showcases portraits, ornate furniture and features a stunning fireplace.
Private chapel
The small, beautifully adorned chapel within the château offers insight into the religious practices of the château's inhabitants.
Restored kitchens
The kitchens have been restored to their historical state, complete with period utensils and furnishings, and beautifully illustrate the day-to-day operations of the château.
Plan your visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
Timings
Getting here
Facilities
Tips and guidelines
Dining
Stay
Nearby
Opening hours:
- April 1 to June 30: 9:30am - 6pm
- July 1 to August 31: 9:30am - 7pm
- September 1 to September 30: 9:30am - 6pm
- October 1 to March 31: 10am - 5:15pm
Last entry: One hour before closing
Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25
Best time to visit: Plan your visit to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau during the spring or autumn. In spring, you can marvel at blooming flowers, whereas in autumn, the fall foliage adds to the charm and romance of the castle. During this time, crowds are also less and the weather is pleasant.
Address: 19 Rue Balzac, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France
- By train: SNCF-Chino line
Nearest stop: Azay-le-Rideau - By bicycle: Indre à Vélo and Loire à Vélo route
- Wheelchair accessible: The castle has limited accessibility. The interiors are not wheelchair-accessible since the only way to explore them is by ascending and descending staircases.
- Washrooms: There are male and female washrooms at the castle. Female washrooms are also equipped with changing tables for babies.
- Audio guides: Multilingual audio guides are available at the castle in French, English, German, Italian and Spanish.
- Assistance dogs are allowed throughout the premises of the castle. However, dogs have to be on a leash in the castle gardens and in a carrier bag inside the castle.
- Strollers are allowed in the castle park but not inside.
- You can take pictures inside the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, but flash photography is not permitted. You can also stroll through the gardens and enjoy a picnic on the castle grounds.
- The opening hours of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau vary from season to season. It is a good idea to check the opening times of the attraction and then plan your visit accordingly.
- If you are arriving at the castle by bicycle, you should know that the bicycle park is open only during the opening hours of the castle.
- Les Grottes Touraine: Located 180m away, Les Grottes offers a charming dining experience with traditional French cuisine. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and attentive service. Their stand-out dish includes their leg of lamb, which is cooked for seven hours!
- Le Grand Monarque: Located 290m away, Le Grand Monarque provides an elegant dining experience focusing on gourmet dishes and fine wines. It is also located in a beautifully restored historical building. The Chartres Pâté is a must-try specialty of the Michelin-starred restaurant.
- La Crédence: Located 180m away, La Credence offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a menu that features classic French brasserie fare such as steak frites and roasted chicken. The outdoor terrace of the restaurant is perfect for a relaxed meal as well.
- Restaurant CÔTÉ Cour: Located 170m away, CÔTÉ Cour serves contemporary French cuisine with a creative twist. The dishes such as the lamb cooked two ways are beautifully presented, and the service is top-notch.
Budget: Hôtel de Biencourt (220m), Hôtel Restaurant Les Trois Lys (290m), Hôtel Val de Loire (420m).
Mid-range: Hôtel Le Grand Monarque (310m), Domaine Plessis Gallu (770m), Hôtel des Châteaux (1.1 km).
Luxury: Moulin de la Chevrière (6.4 km), Château de Rochecotte (12.4 km), Château d'Artigny (17.1km).
- Château de l'Islette: Located 2.8 km away, Château de l'Islette is a charming Renaissance château known for its picturesque setting on the banks of the Indre River and its beautiful gardens. The château was also a favorite retreat of the famous sculptors Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin.
- Château de Villandry: Located 11 km away, Château de Villandry is renowned for its spectacular Renaissance gardens. The gardens are divided into several sections, including ornamental, vegetable, and water gardens, each meticulously designed and maintained.
- Château de Langeais: Located 10.5 km away, Château de Langeais is one of the oldest châteaux in the Loire Valley, and features a mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Inside, visitors can explore furnished rooms and learn about the history of the castle.
Frequently asked questions about Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets
Is entry to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau free on special days?
Entry to the castle is free on the third weekend of September during the European Heritage month. There is also free entry on the first Sundays of January, February, March, November, and December.
What are the best days and times to visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau to avoid crowds?
To avoid crowds, plan your visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau in spring or the autumn. During this time, crowds are less and the weather is pleasant.
How long does a typical visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau last?
A typical visit to the attraction will take around one hour. During this time, you can explore the interiors of the castle and stroll through its expansive English-style gardens.
If I get a timed entry ticket, how much earlier do I have to arrive?
There are no timed entry tickets for the attraction. However, you enjoy extended validity on the tickets purchased. For more information on the validity of your tickets, please refer to the ticket voucher.
Does the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau offer audio guides as an alternative to a guided tour?
Though private guided tours are not available at the castle, visitors can use the audio guides to take a self-guided tour. The audio guides are available in French, English, Spanish, German and Italian.
What special accommodations are available for guests with disabilities?
Guests with disabilities enjoy free entry to the castle all year round. Assistance dogs are also welcome at the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. However, only the ground floor of the castle is accessible to people with reduced mobility.