Came across this Chateau quite by accident as I had read on the internet it was closed. You never know what you’ll find when you travel, and D’Azay-Le-Rideau was a find. This 16th century jewel combines French, Italian, and Flemish influences and resides on an island. With its Grand Staircase it is considered a Loire Valley architectural masterpiece.

More Grounds and then we’ll enter the Castle..

The grounds were the most peaceful of all the castles I visited.

This Castle has been owned by the French government since 1905 and has ongoing renovations. An interesting picture of the beam structure appears below. When visiting see the video on the renovation – fascinating.

There are many unique and beautiful tapestries at the castle. Tapestry design falls into 3 categories – religious, mythical, and those with a military/war type design. Tapestries act as an insulator removing the cold from the castle., When royalty moved from castle to castle they brought their tapestries, dishes, and furniture with them to their next abode.

D’Azay was built to be a museum, however, fortunes were lost and art work sold to cover debt. There are some remaining art works, and of course the 15th century tapestries still present from the collection are on view.

Quite a unique fireplace. The salmander signifies French royalty.

The Kitchen and Dining Room

The Billiard Room – During the 19th century this room was used for relaxing with friends.

The Salon/Library

More Tapestries..

While the Castle reigns from the 16th century when the government acquired it in 1905 it was essentially bare. It has been restored to the 19th century in some rooms as shown, and other rooms remain sparsely furnished as the castle was in the 16th century. Most of the castle furnishings were acquired through museum donations.

The Castle lies in a beautiful medieval town. There is also a travel park adjacent to the property. In much of France people tour with trailers. This is another option for those wishing to tour France and other EU countries.