Location: Azay-le-Rideau
Top Things to do in Azay-le-Rideau
The 10 Best Things to Do in Azay-le-Rideau, France
Azay-le-Rideau in France, from Europe region, is best know for Castles. Discover best things to do in Azay-le-Rideau with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Azay-le-Rideau
1. Chateau de l'Islette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
Reviewed By RomanticTravelers888 - Delaware City, Delaware
I agree with all the reviews describing how Chateau de l’Islette is family-owned, un-commercialized, relaxing, not crowded, and beautiful. In addition, I would add that this was an excellent spot for personal photography. We visited on a day that started dark and then stormy, during which we stayed in the castle home. Once the rains stopped, we enjoyed the grounds and the quiet atmosphere.
Chateau de l’Islette has many great opportunities for photographs, among the Gardens behind the castle, around the river and island, and in the park in front of the castle. We highly recommend this castle in lieu of the nearby Castle at Azay-le-Rideau, its “sister.”
There is an unpaved parking lot across the street.
2. Musee Balzac - Chateau de Sache
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Honore de Balzac was one of the great writers of the first half of the 19th century. Throughout his life, he remained faithful to his native soil, Touraine. From 1825 to 1848, he paid regular visits to Jean Margonne, a friend of his parents, at Chateau de Sache. There, far removed from the bustle of Parisian life and his financial worries, the writer found the silence and austerity that enabled him to work between twelve and sixteen hours a day. Le Pere Goriot, Louis Lambert, Cesar Birotteau and Illusions Perdues were all partly written there. Sache also served as a source of inspiration for Balzac, who set his novel Le Lys dans la Vallee in the idyllic surroundings of the Indre Valley.
Reviewed By Oliver S - New York City, New York
This is much more interesting than his house in Paris. He spent a lot of time here, as a guest, which did not prevent him from bad-mouthing his hosts, repeatedly... Here, in the small room upstairs, he wrote and edited several books, including Le Pere...MoreThank you really for this kind advice. The museum is indeed located in a very peaceful place... One can reach the village by car, by taxi, or bicycle from Azay-le-Rideau (with it's train station) !
3. Chateau de Langeais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 884 reviews
Open every day of the year ! The medieval fortress dominates the village with its austere facade. But don't be daunted: the open drawbridge is an invitation to enter into the refined lodgings of a great lord. It is the most fully furnished castle of the Loire Valley. The hushed ambiance of the rooms and the splendor of the great reception halls will plunge you into the daily life of a 15th century prince. You will relive the event that distinguished the history of the locale: the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, recreated with strikingly realistic wax figures.In the park, you will discover the recreated construction site of France's oldest keep. The Promenade, punctuated with Playgrounds and the tree house, can be followed through cedars and sequoias to the gazebo overlooking the Loire.
Reviewed By DiggerPerth - Nedlands, Australia
This is a lovely old turreted castle. Not in the same vein as the grand chateaux but obviously much older, built in the days when fortification was paramount. Wander through the refurbished interior which has many rooms restored to reflect their period. Well worthwhile
4. Chateau de Villandry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous Gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style.
Reviewed By JohnGalt2 - Oxnard, California
After seeing this chateau on a travel Television show we were more interested seeing the extensive Gardens than the chateau. For this visit, we bought a Gardens only pass. The Gardens here were magnifique. It was beautiful photographing the chateau through the lavender in the Gardens.
5. Espace Culturel Osier Vannerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Discover the surprising basket maker's know-how of Villaines les Rochers, between tradition and contemporary creation.
Reviewed By Pearly_Spencer2014 - Ile-de-France, France
We stopped at the museum passing through Azay, and enjoyed learning more about this historic handicraft linked with the town. The museum staff are very welcoming and engaging, and the boutique has some very usual mobiles and woven jewelry. The beautifully shaded courtyard offers lots of room for energetic children to run around, and opportunities for new discoveries like woodpecker niches. Don't miss the amazing baskets and woven items at the Cooperative store down the street http://www.vannerie.com/.
6. Touraine Cheval
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By luimart - London
We went on a two-hour ride with our 10yo daughter and her friend. Laura was taking care of us. She was very friendly and knew the horses and her job quite well. She payed a lot of attention to safety. The horses and the pony were very gentle (perfect for our lack of experience). The ride was not extremely scenic but it was good fun. I am sure that with more experienced riders the options are wider. The girls loved it!
7. Maurice Dufresne Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
The treasure of the museum lives in its spectacular collection. Indeed, the museum houses an impressive collection of vehicules of all kinds, including the oldest specimens which date from the early twentieth century: cars, lorries, motorcycles, bicycles, tractors, farm equipment, and even aircrafts, boats, tanks, and guns from World War II. You can also discover unique models such as the "Boutin" or "Benjamin" motorcycles or the type XI monoplane built by Blériot to perform his channel crossing. The museum also houses impressive machines such as the "Fountain" turbine which drove the mechanism of the huge waterwheel of the old mill, located inside the museum. Some of the mechanisms of these machines are still in operating today. Numerous knives and firearms can be found as well as several unusual items like unique wax heads of condemned people, or a mobile guillotine dating from the Revolution
Reviewed By BucksBodger - Buckinghamshire
We came across this place having been given a leaflet at a previous attraction. The men in our party being petrolheads, we thought it might be interesting and make a change from all the chateaux we had seen!
On first arriving at the museum, we weren't really expecting much, there being a collection of old heavy plant from various countries on the pathway leading up to the museum itself. However, on going into the museum building itself, we were amazed by the sheer size and variation of the collection. Obviously the museum was a labour of love for M. Defresne, and it shows!
We spent a fantastic couple of hours being fascinated by the various exhibits, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who finds the self in the area.
What a hidden gem!
8. Vannerie Etienne Metezeau
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Adenine - Prather, California
When you’d like to take a little break from seeing the Loire’s magnificent chateaux, drive about 7km from Azay-le-Rideau to Villaines-les-Rochers, and discover this French capital of basketry for over eight generations. Since 1849, it has the largest basket makers grouping in France, representing over a third of the profession, a skill which passed until recently from father to son. As you drive along, there are basketwork shops where you can stop and watch the water-willow and green rushes bent and formed into the large variety of shapes from which you can choose. Wicker work is also available, as wicker has been cultivated here since the 8th century. One of the better known of these basketwork magicians is Etienne Metezeau, but there are about 80 families in this special town. Originally, they produced items and baskets needed by peasants and articles for bakery and butchery. Since the 1950s, they opened the field to furniture and decoration, including beautiful artworks. We bought as much as we could take back on the plane. If you do come, leave enough space in your luggage, or arrange for shipping items that you will otherwise regret leaving behind. Prices are very reasonable for original, one of a kind pieces!
9. France Just for You
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By BFF54 - Connecticut
France-Just for You is the best agency/coordinator we have EVER used. We have traveled around the world to more than 50 countries and this was by far the best job of coordination we ever experienced. The owner, Emilie, lives in France and is 100% accessible by email or phone. We emailed her the first time we learned about her business and from then on her attention to detail and efficiency were outstanding. She outlined a custom trip for us based on our criteria and then created a detailed plan for us to follow with options for various activities. She took care of every detail, bike rental, car rental, cooking class , museum passes, directions etc etc. Then, about a month before we went , she mailed us a 300+ page book custom created for our trip which gave background information on all the places we were to visit, gps directions, options for different routes, recommendations for restaurants, background on bed and breakfast hosts (whom she personally meets with), comments on French customs, and hundreds of tips and suggestions. Her guide was so complete, we did not need any other books. She created an experience for us we will never forget. When we return to France we will ask her to plan the trip for us.
10. Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
The Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau, built in the heart of the Touraine region under the reign of Francois I, is a charming Renaissance residence. Since July 2017, following three years of restoration, the chateau now offers a new visitor experience. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 1st April to 30th June: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st July to 31st August: from 9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st to 30th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m to 5.15 p.m. Last admission 15 minutes before closing time. Last entry in the chateau 1h before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 10,00 €; Reduce rate: 8.00€ - Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By PhotosbyPharos - Penticton, Canada
My first time to Chateau d'Azay le Rideau was a pleasure in late September 2017. Few tourists, warm days, and a small intimate chateau that has recently been beautifully restored and reopened in June 2017.
Originally a fortress, it was rebuilt in the 16th century on an island in the River Indre, the chateau is a mix of French and Italian designs of the time. Though not a royal residence, both Francois 1 and Louis X111 stayed there. It is surrounded by Gardens and a beautiful park laid out in the English style.
Azay le Rideau is a UN World Heritage Site.
This is the reason that visitors see 16th and 19th century architecture and furnishings side by side — a bit jarring until one understands the chateau's history.
Two highlights of the visit are the wall walk and the visit to the roof's restoration in the attic. The wood for the structure was cut from a nearby oak forest in 1518 and remains in situ today, opened up for visitors to view. I viewed it with awe!
Most of the sculpted stone is original, inside and out.
I loved this visit and would have enjoyed a longer time here. There are also a restaurant and gift shop, which I did not have time to enjoy.
Budget half a day rather than a couple of hours.
Highly recommended.
TAGS
