Tours & tickets

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

The Château of Azay-le-Rideau was built in the heart of Loire Valley during the reign of François I, and offers all the charm of the Renaissance. It is a 16th-century architectural masterpiece, rising up from an island formed by the Indre River, and is situated within a romantic 19th-century park. The château boasts a colorful history. In 1510, Gilles Berthelot acquired the seigneurie and fortress of Azay, rebuilding it in the sumptuous Italian style that was popular at the time. After Berthelot's relative Semblança, who had been aiding Berthelot in building his wealth in the region, was accused of embezzlement and executed, Berthelot fled. The château was then given by François I to his companion-in-arms, Antoine Rafin, and his descendants, who lived there until the 18th century, after which it fell into the possession of the Marquis Charles de Biencourt, responsible for the château's beautiful gardens. Having undergone an extensive restoration program, the château also offers a new experience: new highlighted collections, a dream-like tour path, mobile tour guide applications, the romantic park and so on. Not to be missed: the living room and dining room of the Marquis of Biencourt (19th century décors), the atmospheric staging of the kitchen, the new interpretation area. The sight is protected by UNESCO, and features gothic motifs, a royal apartment used by Louis XIII in 1619, stunning Renaissance ornamentation and façades that overlook the lakes, with apartments embellished with overhanging corner turrets.

Meet your guide in front of the Tourist Office of Tours at 9:30 AM and board the minivan for an amazing day in the Loire Valley. You will start with a visit to the Château d'Azay le Rideau, absolute prowess of Renaissance architecture. The perfection of the facade and its reflect on the Indre finish setting one of the most beautiful chateau of the Loire Valley. Your passionate guide will accompany you on all the visits and will share with you the stories of the estate. Then, arrival at the Château de Villandry to visit the gardens, a jewel of French heritage built during the Renaissance, by Jean Le Breton and inhabitated by the familly Carvallo for over a century. They put a true amount of work to give us the gardens of Villandry, a perfect replica of what the gardens looked like in the 16th century. An experience you will never forget. Arrive back in Tours around 1:30 PM.

Meet your guide in front of the Tourist Office of Tours at 9:30 AM and board the minivan for an amazing day in the Loire Valley. You are going to live an unforgettable experience : in the morning, set off to discover two castles in the region: the "perfect" castle of Azay le Rideau and the beautiful gardens of Villandry. You will start with a visit to the Château d'Azay le Rideau, a true jewel of Renaissance architecture built by a secretary of the King Francis 1st. Your passionate guide will accompany you on all the visits and will share with you the stories of the estate. Then, arrival at the Château de Villandry to visit the gardens, a jewel of French heritage built during the Renaissance. Your guide will accompany you through the remarkable formal gardens of Villandry, of breathtaking beauty and delicacy. You will able to walk in the vegetable garden, the maze, around the water garden... Your guide will also show you the best spots to get the best view of this tremendous work. After a lunch break, en route for the first wine tasting of the afternoon, in the area of Amboise you will discover the range of wines that are produced in this area : white, rosé, red or sparkling, the region of Amboise is filled with surprises when it comes to wine. Then a little drive alongside the Loire river, to go meet a French winemaker in a local winery . See the vines and visit the traditional vat room and the cellars. During this visit, you will improve your knowledge regarding wine-making and of course wine tasting. Elegant sparkling wines and white wines are produced in this area. During this visit, explore the famous underground cave that were dug during the 10th century in order to extract stones and today used by a famous Loire Valley wine house for producing and storing wines. Throughout the afternoon, your guide will share his knowledge with you, to help you understand the diversity of Loire wines and their specific terroir. You will learn the different steps of wine tasting and train your nose to identify many wine aromas. Benefit from your guide's tips and tricks and learn to taste like a professional. Afterward, you will be driven back to Tours, where your tour will end. 

Meet your guide in front of the Tourist Office of Amboise at 9:00 AM and board the minivan for an amazing day in the Loire Valley. You are going to live an unforgettable experience : in the morning, set off to discover two castles in the region: the "perfect" castle of Azay le Rideau and the beautiful gardens of Villandry. You will start with a visit to the Château d'Azay le Rideau, a true jewel of Renaissance architecture built by a secretary of the King Francis 1st. Your passionate guide will accompany you on all the visits and will share with you the stories of the estate. Then, arrival at the Château de Villandry to visit the gardens, a jewel of French heritage built during the Renaissance. Your guide will accompany you through the remarkable formal gardens of Villandry, of breathtaking beauty and delicacy. You will able to walk in the vegetable garden, the maze, around the water garden... Your guide will also show you the best spots to get the best view of this tremendous work. En route for the first wine tasting of the afternoon, in the area of Amboise you will discover the range of wines that are produced in this area : white, rosé, red or sparkling, the region of Amboise is filled with surprises when it comes to wine. Then a little drive alongside the Loire river, to go meet a French winemaker in a local winery . See the vines and visit the traditional vat room and the cellars. During this visit, you will improve your knowledge regarding wine-making and of course wine tasting. Elegant sparkling wines and white wines are produced in this area. During this visit, explore the famous underground cave that were dug during the 10th century in order to extract stones and today used by a famous Loire Valley wine house for producing and storing wines. Throughout the afternoon, your guide will share his knowledge with you, to help you understand the diversity of Loire wines and their specific terroir. You will learn the different steps of wine tasting and train your nose to identify many wine aromas. Benefit from your guide's tips and tricks and learn to taste like a professional. Afterward, you will be driven back to Amboise, where your tour will end. 

Start your tour at the Tourist Office in Tours. Pass by the city of Tours, a true gateway to the Loire Valley, which is full of unusual places that your gentleman sider will be happy to show you, comfortably seated in a magnificent vintage sidecar. Continue to Villandry, a Renaissance castle, located in the heart of three levels of tiered gardens. It is the last of the great Renaissance castles built on the banks of the Loire. Remarkable for the harmony of its architecture and its gardens, the site is best known for its gardens, spread over three levels, which combine aesthetics, diversity, and harmony. Next, pass by Langeais, the Château de Langeais, both a fortress and a princely residence, conceals multiple treasures: sculpted furniture, rich hangings, objects of art recall the life of the great lords. The reconstruction of the secret marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany which marks the attachment of the duchy to the crown of France and the remains of the oldest stone keep located in the heart of the park take you back to the times of the Middle Ages. Finally, arrive at Azay-le-Rideau, built in 1527, the castle of Azay-le-Rideau is a marvel of grace and whiteness, dominated by turrets which still recall the medieval era. Built partially on the Indre, this jewel has one of the first staircases with a straight banister - Italian style -, a decor and furniture of great richness which are distinguished by exceptional quality and a magnificent set of tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries. Around the building, an 8 ha English-style park was created from 1810. Azay-le-Rideau is also home to the Château de l'Islette, which housed the loves of Camille Claudel and Rodin.

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Tours at 9.00 AM or Amboise. Greet your guide, then set off into the sprawling countryside of Loire Valley. Stop at the Chateau of Azay le Rideau, one the purest gems of Renaissance Architecture in the Loire Valley. Delicately placed on an island on the Indre river, admire the Chateau under every angle with a stroll around the English-style garden. Afterwards, take a tour of the Chateau of Langeais which is a perfect balance between gardens, architecture, and contemporary art. You will be surprised by this 15th-century fortress, which contrasts with the quirky art exhibition. Its huge garden is inspired by fairy tales and cartoons. A confidential place for an original experience. Free time for lunch in Langeais. Our guide will recommed a nice place. Enjoy a tour and Bourgueil organic wine tasting at a local domain. To finish the day, have a guided tour of one of the most spectacular gardens of Touraine, Villandry.  By its diversity and originality (Love Garden, Kitchen Garden, Aromatic and Medicine Plant Garden, Water Garden and the brand new Sun Garden) and by its size (15 acres, 1150 linden trees), Villandry is the Loire Valley garden not to be missed. With your guide, learn to speak the language of a medieval and Renaissance garden while discovering the power of thyme and basil on your health. At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off at your accommodation at 6.00PM.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of history with our exclusive 2-hour private guided tour of Azay-le-Rideau Castle, where each moment unfolds like a story waiting to be discovered. What makes this experience even more seamless? Your ticket is included! Step into the enchanting world of French Renaissance architecture surrounded by the beauty of the Loire Valley. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you through the castle's intricate details, revealing the fascinating tales and historical significance hidden within its walls. Explore the chambers, halls, and gardens with the convenience of an included ticket, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable experience. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a delightful escape, this private guided tour promises an unforgettable encounter with Azay-le-Rideau. Book your seamless adventure now and let the stories of Azay-le-Rideau Castle unfold before your eyes!