| Page Views: 63 Last Visit to Azay-le-Rideau: July, 2008 | Reflections on a Château’s Reflection by von.otter - last update: May 3, 2009 |
| Château d’Azay-le-Rideau Reflected on River Indre |
“Un diamant taillé à facettes, serti par l’Indre.” (“A faceted diamond set in the Indre.”)
— Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850), his high opinion of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
What’s in a Name? The oddly named town of Azay-le-Rideau, Azay-the-Curtain, was not always so called. Originally it was called Azay-le-Ridel, which is derived from Hugues Ridel, one of the knights-banneret of Touraine created by King Philippe Auguste to command the road from Tours to Chinon. Later its name evolved into Azay-le-Rideau.
With its turrets and crests reflected in a moat-like lake with water from the River Indre, this castle enchants and dazzles the visitor. During our morning visit in late July we took time to sit on a bench in the shade of the park trees and drink in its beauty. |
| Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, July 2008 |
|  | For a while the town had been known as Azay-le-Brulée, Azay-the-Burned. In 1418, le Dauphin de France — the future Charles VII — escaped Paris to the Loire Valley. Wandering from castle to castle, he passed through Azay-le-Rideau. The town was allied with his enemies, the Burgundians. When le Dauphin arrived, he was jeered by the 350 soldiers defending the fortress which stood on the same spot as the present-day castle. Furious, the king-in-waiting ordered the castle besieged, the entire garrison hanged and the village, as well as the castle, burned to the ground. |
The present château was begun in 1515 by Gilles Berthelot, mayor of Tours. Nothing significant has happened nor have famous people visited at Château d’Azay-le-Rideau; it attracts solely on its exquisite beauty. It seems to float on the River Indre.
With a population of 3,100 the town of Azay-le-Rideau is known as a commune, the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic, within the Indre-et-Loire department in central France. It is quite a charming, sleepy little place that is well worth your time: stroll its streets, browse its shops, and dine in its restaurants. | | | Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, July 2008 |
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| Pros: | "Beauty unspoiled by crowds." | | Cons: | "Better self-guide materials for the château." | | In A Nutshell: | "Azay-le-Rideau: a Town and a Castle Worth a Visit." |
von.otter's Azay-le-Rideau Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 14 - Photos: 63 | | | Restaurants
Tips: 1 - Photos: 5 | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Comments for von.otter about Azay-le-Rideau | | | | |
hunterV Thu Jan 15, 2009 20:27 UTC
What a wonderful destination! Thanks for sharing! |
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