Who built Azay-le-Rideau castle?

It was built from 1518 for Gilles Berthelot, treasurer of France, and his wife Philippe Lesbahy.

From which period does the castle date?

It dates from the 16th century, during the reign of Francis I.

Is the castle accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

No specific accessibility arrangements are mentioned.

Where can visitors park?

Several car parks are available nearby, including one run by a private operator with charging stations.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau

Visit

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Tickets and prices

Child: Free

Free for Under 18, 18-25 (EU/legal residents), disabled person and their companion, jobseeker, Pass éducation, first Sunday of January, February, March, November and December

Prices and tickets on the château’s website

Prices checked at the source on October 25, 2026

Where: Azay-le-Rideau

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Château de Villandry (Villandry Castle)The gardens are open every day, all year round, except on 25 December; in 2026, the château will be open from 7 February to 11 November inclusive, then from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 inclusive, except on 25 December 202610 km
Château de Langeais (Langeais Castle)from €129 km
Château d'Ussé (Ussé Castle)from €14.5013 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau stands in Azay-le-Rideau (Indre-et-Loire), in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century, 17th century, 19th century). Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on October 25, 2026.

Standing on piles in the bed of the Indre river, Azay-le-Rideau castle is a landmark of Renaissance architecture as it developed in Touraine under Francis I. Built from 1518 for the treasurer Gilles Berthelot, it has kept its L-shaped layout despite later alterations. Visitors can see carved facades, a grand staircase and interiors refurbished in the 19th century, along with a collection of old portraits.

Written from Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

What to know

The adult admission fee is 16 euros.
The castle has been listed as a historic monument since 1914.
No specific accessibility arrangements are indicated for visitors with reduced mobility.
Several car parks are available nearby, including one run by a private operator with charging points.

Practical information

Opening hours

Du 1er octobre au 31 mars: 10h-17h15
Du 1er avril au 30 juin: 9h30-18h
Du 1er juillet au 31 août: 9h30-19h
Du 1er au 30 septembre: 9h30-18h

Annual closures : 1 January; 1 May; 25 December

Prices

Child: Free

Free for Under 18, 18-25 (EU/legal residents), disabled person and their companion, jobseeker, Pass éducation, first Sunday of January, February, March, November and December

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Dogs: Allowed on a lead
Parking: Numerous parking options available, including the Château car park operated by Interparking with charging points

Wheelchair available at the reception, FALC booklet and adapted park map with outdoor routes

On site

Food and drink
Gift shop
Child-friendly

Where this château is

Azay-le-Rideau · Indre-et-Loire · Centre-Val de Loire

Map of the area around Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Azay-le-Rideau, Indre-et-Loire

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00097546
Period of construction: 16th century, 17th century, 19th century

Itineraries

In pictures

Frequently asked

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau: how much is admission?: Child: free. Free for: under 18, 18-25 (EU/legal residents), disabled person and their companion, jobseeker, Pass éducation, first Sunday of January, February, March, November and December.
Who built Azay-le-Rideau castle?: It was built from 1518 for Gilles Berthelot, treasurer of France, and his wife Philippe Lesbahy.
From which period does the castle date?: It dates from the 16th century, during the reign of Francis I.
Is the castle accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?: No specific accessibility arrangements are mentioned.
Where can visitors park?: Several car parks are available nearby, including one run by a private operator with charging stations.

Information verified on October 25, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website