Things to Do in Azay-le-Rideau, France - Azay-le-Rideau Attractions
Things to Do in Azay-le-Rideau
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Château de L'Islette, Wine Tastings, Cultural Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, Château de L'Islette, Wine Tastings, Cultural Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Half-day Toursfromper adult$122
Full-day Toursfromper group (up to 2)$669
Historical Toursfromper group (up to 8)$1,677- fromper adult$211
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$1,059
- fromper adult$211
Adventure Toursfromper group (up to 2)$446- fromper adult$256
- fromper adult$256
Wine Tastingsfromper adult$162
Romantic chateau set in lush gardens, offering serene walks, well-preserved classical interiors, and dining in a fairy-tale ambiance with picturesque lake views.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Other Top Attractions around Azay-le-Rideau
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- BradHong Kong, China176,027 contributionsThis is a charming castle near the village of Azay-le-Rideau that makes for a nice place explore and spend time if you are taking in some of the castles of the Loire Valley.
Opening hours change a bit throughout the year but are roughly 9.30-10am to 5-7pm depending on the season. Consult the castle website for exact times. Entry fee is €11.50 per adult, allow 60-75 minutes for your visit. There is a public parking lot around the corner from the castle that we found to have plenty of space during the weekday that we visited recently.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was built in the early 16th-century and is considered a jewel of early French Renaissance architecture. The walk through the castle is delightful. However, equally impressive are the castle grounds situated on a small island, romantically placed amongst waters and lovely landscaped grounds. These are worth time to wander around and enjoy as well.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau was one of our favourites from our trip to the Loire Valley to visit castles in the region. We would gladly return for another visit net time we are in the area.Written October 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Liz BUnited Kingdom33 contributionsWe spent a great morning at Chateau LIslette. This is a beautiful little chateau with a very attractive formal gardens and lush river Indre frontage. The chateau has some gorgeous rooms to explore and you feel like you are in a living chateau. Without the crowds you will find at the other local and more famous chateau of Azay-the-rideau we had the space and time to look around at our own pace. Picnics are allowed in the gardens and there are numerous seating areas dotted about the place. The play park was a great hit with our 3 and 4 year olds. There are also evening musical events which we will definitely come back for next year.Written August 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephen WNewton Aycliffe, UK594 contributionsIn France in the Loire area and only found this place on an internet search, we didn't see it advertised at all , I don't know why as it is excellent.
A real gem of a find and well recommended if in the area.
It is in the sticks a bit. Allow a good 2 to 4 hours for a visit here. There is a decent restaurant on site that also does snacks.
The exhibits are amazing, a lot of agricultural and construction pieces and there are exhibits that are so rare that here houses the only ones in the world.
Who thought electric vehicles were a relatively new concept!
We thought it was great value for money. It is worth the fee extra euros for the audio commentary.
In our view well worth a visit.Written June 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CheckDoublecheckOrinda, CA12 contributionsReally interesting place. Interesting to learn about the history of the area other than the Chateau. A peaceful place to take a walk on a nice day.Written April 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sarah MWhitehorse, Canada19 contributionsBest wine shop we visited in the Loire Valley! The two gentleman working were gracious and knowledgable. We greatly enjoyed their recommendations (a local Rose and a red from Chinon). The store is beautiful and well laid out. We will be returning someday I'm sure!Written September 23, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas VOakland, CA17,790 contributionsWe collected a lot of information here about the chateaux of the region to help us decide which ones to visit during our limited time here. The staff helped.Written August 11, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DAVID LLos Angeles, CA8,055 contributionsVisited here on a lark while seeing the fabulous Chateau nearby and quite enjoyed it. Toured through the facilities and the aging / storage cave area. Sampled wine and bought some bottles for later consumption. Pleasant find and friendly folks. ...Written October 12, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mairwen1United Kingdom11,286 contributionsMost visitors to tiny Azay-Le-Rideau don’t explore beyond the chateau. However if you have time, the church of St Symphorien is close by and is worth a quick look.
It dates back to the 11th century although there have been various alterations and additions right up to the 16th century.
Inside, the church is relatively plain and dark. There is is not a lot to see other than some lovely, large stained glass windows.
The facade is the most interesting part. Its main feature is a series of 14 carved stone figures which belong to the original church. The figures are divided unevenly into three groups. Christ appears to be in the centre of the top row - he has a halo with a cross inside. Some of the other figures have halos, but not all. Some (but again not all), have wings. Are they they apostles? Or maybe angels?
Below the figures are some very curious decorative carvings - a row of pigs’ heads. Equally puzzling were the panels either side of the arched window. One shows two dogs, or perhaps wolves, fighting. Standing on their hind legs, they look like two boxers in a ring. The other panel also has two dogs, one with a bird or rabbit in its mouth and the other attacking (or perhaps mounting) the first dog. Strangely bestial and violent scenes for the front of the church. We weren’t sure what to make of any of them.
TIP: There is a nice little classic French bar opposite the church, Brasserie des Halles. We sat outside in the early evening and enjoyed a drink while looking across at the church facade.
TIPS FOR CARS: We parked in the town centre in the Place de la Republique but its only a small carpark and you have to be lucky. Otherwise the Chateau Azay Le Rideau has a car park but it’s not free.Written October 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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