Château d’Azay-le-Rideau Floats Elegantly in the Indre

The French castle of Azay-le-Rideau is a beautiful little château. It that appears to float in the middle of the Indre river. The Indre is a tributary of the Loire. Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is one of the first of many Renaissance style châteaux constructed in the Loire Valley. What a wonderful example of Italianate architecture!

Château Azay le Rideau

Before going inside, I explored the area around the Château.

Amazing reflections in the Indre River

Majestic Entrance

The day was just right for reflections.

The reflections in the Indre River of the château are so beautiful.

Wandering into the court yard we saw this majestic staircase. Windows open out on four levels. Rich in carved decorations and columns, it exemplifies an Italian design. It is one of the first straight flight staircases in France based on this design.

Inside the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

The first thing I did was to look out. I love this view of the garden through the window!

The Italian design staircase consists of straight flights of stairs instead of the traditional spiral. It is the oldest surviving example of this type of staircase. [Photo courtesy of Soledad Sola]

Azay le Rideau Italianate Staircase

Here is a closer look at the ceiling that we glimpse at the top of this staircase.

Similar to other châteaux of the 15th century, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau has many dramatic stone carvings.

Kitchen with its sunken fireplace

Note the fireplace in the kitchen. See how deep it is! Standing back, we could see only the top half. Look over the protective rail. The floor of the fireplace extends about 3 feet below the main floor.

Azay le Rideau Spiral Staircase

This amazing spiral staircase reminds me of the beauty of mathematics. From the heart of a sunflower to this lovely staircase, mathematics surrounds us! [Photo courtesy Rozanne Hakala]

Châteaux of this period were only inhabited during the summer. The beautiful tapestries and furniture became permanent fixtures around the 17th century. [Photo courtesy of Jean Pierre Ravier]