Is entry to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau free on special days?

Entry to the castle is free on the third weekend of September during the European Heritage month. There is also free entry on the first Sundays of January, February, March, November, and December.

What are the best days and times to visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau to avoid crowds?

To avoid crowds, plan your visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau in spring or the autumn. During this time, crowds are less and the weather is pleasant.

How long does a typical visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau last?

A typical visit to the attraction will take around one hour. During this time, you can explore the interiors of the castle and stroll through its expansive English-style gardens.

If I get a timed entry ticket, how much earlier do I have to arrive?

There are no timed entry tickets for the attraction. However, you enjoy extended validity on the tickets purchased. For more information on the validity of your tickets, please refer to the ticket voucher.

Does the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau offer audio guides as an alternative to a guided tour?

Though private guided tours are not available at the castle, visitors can use the audio guides to take a self-guided tour. The audio guides are available in French, English, Spanish, German and Italian.

What special accommodations are available for guests with disabilities?

Guests with disabilities enjoy free entry to the castle all year round. Assistance dogs are also welcome at the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. However, only the ground floor of the castle is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Book Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets

From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Guignard

France

Dec 2025

‌

We arrived early so we were able to visit rooms where we were alone. Really great, we felt like we were there! Thank you

Michelle

United States

Nov 2025

‌

Visited Chenonceau and Chambord in late November. No crowds and both being beautifully decorated for Christmas. Appreciated being able to tour at own pace and not having to follow a prescribed path.

Massonneau

France

Sep 2025

‌

+1 more

Easy booking, the castle is splendid! And I didn't expect to have so much to visit! The château, the gardens, the outbuildings, everything was perfect!

Cristina

Sep 2025

‌

+1 more

The castle and its surroundings, the furniture, the works of art it houses...and also the flowers, gardens and so many details. It is a beautiful place full of charm.

Laurence

France

Nov 2025

The château is magnificent and very well maintained ! I loved it. The gardens are sublime too! Frankly, I recommend it!

Irene

Oct 2025

I had always heard about Chambord Castle (and the liquor). It was GREAT to finally be able to visit and tour the Chateau and Gardens. I've always loved architecture and Chambord is truly a masterpiece! Ticket buying was easy and price reasonable. Parking ample and Information Center and Gift Shop were very accommodating.

Top things to do in Loire Valley

Chateau de Chambord Tickets

from

€31

Château de Chenonceau Tickets

from

€18

Château du Clos Lucé Tickets

from

€19

Château Royal de Blois tickets

from

€17.30

Château Royal d'Amboise Tickets

from

€17.30

Puy du Fou Tickets

from

€37

Château d'Angers Tickets

from

€11

Château de Villandry

from

€179

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau | A multifaceted diamond set in the Indre river

The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a Renaissance-style castle located in the town of Azay-le-Rideau in the Indre-et-Loire department of France. Built between 1518 and 1527, it is one of the most picturesque châteaux of the Loire Valley, renowned for its elegant architecture and beautiful setting on an island in the Indre River.

Here is everything you need to know about planning a visit to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau in France’s Loire Valley.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. Those with disabilities can also enjoy free entry to the attraction.
You can enjoy free entry to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau on the third weekend of September, and the first Sunday of January, February, March, November, and December.
If you are under 18 years old, an EU national, or a non-EU resident in France between 18 and 25 years old, you can enjoy free entry to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. However, you will need to show a valid ID proof on the day of your visit.
You can club your visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau with additional castles in the Loire Valley to save more on ticket prices.
If you are visiting Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, opt for skip-the-line tickets that give you priority access to the castle on the day of your visit.
Though your Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets cannot be canceled, they have an extended validity. The validity varies according to the ticket you purchase. For more information on this, please refer to your ticket vouchers.

Loire Valley Castles

Distance from Paris: Approximately 270 km (168 miles)
Nearest train station: Azay-le-Rideau, Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France
Nearest airport: Tours Val de Loire Airport, 40 Rue de l'Aéroport, 37100 Tours, France
Nearest castles: Villandry
Nearest cities: Tours, Chinon, Saumur

Why visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

French Renaissance gem: The château is a stunning example of early French Renaissance architecture, blending medieval defensive elements with elegant Renaissance aesthetics. Visitors can marvel at the intricate stonework, sculpted dormer windows, and the grand staircase at the castle.
Early 16th-century marvel: Built in the early 16th century by Gilles Berthelot, the château has witnessed centuries of French history and offers a glimpse into the lives of the nobility during the Renaissance. The rooms are furnished with period pieces, tapestries, and artworks that transport visitors back in time.
Unique location: The château is uniquely situated on an island in the Indre River, surrounded by water, which creates stunning reflections and enhances its fairy-tale appearance. Located about 25 kilometers from Tours, the château is easily accessible by car or public transportation, making it a convenient day trip from major cities in the Loire Valley.
Family-friendly: The château is a great destination for families, with activities and tours suitable for children and adults alike. The serene environment of the château and its gardens offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to relax and rejuvenate.

Which Château d'Azay-le-Rideau ticket is best for you?

If you are on a budget

Go for: Standard tickets

Duration: Flexible

Guide: No

With standard entry tickets, you get full access to the castle at a budget-friendly price.
Explore more by clubbing your visit to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau with other castles in the Loire Valley such as Amboise, Chambord and Chenonceau.

Recommended tours

Tickets to Azay-le-Rideau Castle
Combo (Save 8%): Chambord + Chenonceau + Azay-le-Rideau Castle Tickets
Combo (Save 6%): Chenonceau & Azay-le-Rideau Castle Tickets

If you are an enthusiastic explorer

Go for: Combo tickets

Duration: Flexible

Guide: No

Explore more with combo tickets that let you visit other Loire Valley castles, such as Chenonceau and Chambord with the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
With combo tickets you can explore other castles in the Loire Valley as well.

Recommended tours

Combo (Save 8%): Chambord + Chenonceau + Azay-le-Rideau Castle Tickets
Combo (Save 6%): Chenonceau & Azay-le-Rideau Castle Tickets

What to see at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Northern façade

The northern façade is the first to greet your eye as you arrive at the château. This façade blends French tradition with Gothic art to create a true masterpiece of architecture. Look out for the sculpted decorations that continue inside the castle also!

Southern façade

If you want to see the château reflected in a water mirror, head over to the southern façade. Find out why it was called a “faceted diamond” here. You will also get a view of the corner tower, large bay windows, machicolations, tall dormers, and more.

Grand staircase

Synonymous with French Renaissance architecture, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau features a grand helical staircase that is adorned with intricately carved stone balustrades and decorative elements, reflecting the high artistic standards of the Renaissance period.

King’s bedroom

The King’s bedroom (though uninhabited) is literally ‘fit for a King,’ and features a grand canopy bed, rich tapestries, elaborate wall coverings, and ornate furniture. The decor also includes elements like gilded wood, intricate carvings, and luxurious fabrics such as velvet and silk.

Salon Biencourt

Named after the Biencourt family, who owned the château in the 19th century, the Salon Biencourt showcases portraits, ornate furniture and features a stunning fireplace.

Private chapel

The small, beautifully adorned chapel within the château offers insight into the religious practices of the château's inhabitants.

Restored kitchens

The kitchens have been restored to their historical state, complete with period utensils and furnishings, and beautifully illustrate the day-to-day operations of the château.

Plan your visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Opening hours:

April 1 to June 30: 9:30am - 6pm
July 1 to August 31: 9:30am - 7pm
September 1 to September 30: 9:30am - 6pm
October 1 to March 31: 10am - 5:15pm

Last entry: One hour before closing

Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25

Best time to visit: Plan your visit to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau during the spring or autumn. In spring, you can marvel at blooming flowers, whereas in autumn, the fall foliage adds to the charm and romance of the castle. During this time, crowds are also less and the weather is pleasant.

Address: 19 Rue Balzac, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France

Find on maps.

By train: SNCF-Chino line
Nearest stop: Azay-le-Rideau
By bicycle: Indre à Vélo and Loire à Vélo route

Wheelchair accessible: The castle has limited accessibility. The interiors are not wheelchair-accessible since the only way to explore them is by ascending and descending staircases.
Washrooms: There are male and female washrooms at the castle. Female washrooms are also equipped with changing tables for babies.
Audio guides: Multilingual audio guides are available at the castle in French, English, German, Italian and Spanish.

Assistance dogs are allowed throughout the premises of the castle. However, dogs have to be on a leash in the castle gardens and in a carrier bag inside the castle.
Strollers are allowed in the castle park but not inside.
You can take pictures inside the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, but flash photography is not permitted. You can also stroll through the gardens and enjoy a picnic on the castle grounds.
The opening hours of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau vary from season to season. It is a good idea to check the opening times of the attraction and then plan your visit accordingly.
If you are arriving at the castle by bicycle, you should know that the bicycle park is open only during the opening hours of the castle.

Les Grottes Touraine: Located 180m away, Les Grottes offers a charming dining experience with traditional French cuisine. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and attentive service. Their stand-out dish includes their leg of lamb, which is cooked for seven hours!
Le Grand Monarque: Located 290m away, Le Grand Monarque provides an elegant dining experience focusing on gourmet dishes and fine wines. It is also located in a beautifully restored historical building. The Chartres Pâté is a must-try specialty of the Michelin-starred restaurant.
La Crédence: Located 180m away, La Credence offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a menu that features classic French brasserie fare such as steak frites and roasted chicken. The outdoor terrace of the restaurant is perfect for a relaxed meal as well.
Restaurant CÔTÉ Cour: Located 170m away, CÔTÉ Cour serves contemporary French cuisine with a creative twist. The dishes such as the lamb cooked two ways are beautifully presented, and the service is top-notch.

Budget: Hôtel de Biencourt (220m), Hôtel Restaurant Les Trois Lys (290m), Hôtel Val de Loire (420m).

Mid-range: Hôtel Le Grand Monarque (310m), Domaine Plessis Gallu (770m), Hôtel des Châteaux (1.1 km).

Luxury: Moulin de la Chevrière (6.4 km), Château de Rochecotte (12.4 km), Château d'Artigny (17.1km).

Aerial View of Chateau de Villandry gardens

Château de l'Islette: Located 2.8 km away, Château de l'Islette is a charming Renaissance château known for its picturesque setting on the banks of the Indre River and its beautiful gardens. The château was also a favorite retreat of the famous sculptors Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin.
Château de Villandry: Located 11 km away, Château de Villandry is renowned for its spectacular Renaissance gardens. The gardens are divided into several sections, including ornamental, vegetable, and water gardens, each meticulously designed and maintained.
Château de Langeais: Located 10.5 km away, Château de Langeais is one of the oldest châteaux in the Loire Valley, and features a mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Inside, visitors can explore furnished rooms and learn about the history of the castle.

Tip: Don't miss the wine press and its interpretation spaces filled with paintings and carvings!
Please note that there is free admission during the following days: European Heritage Days on the third weekend of Sep, and every first Sunday of the month from Nov to Mar.

Inclusions #

Entry to Azay-le-Rideau Castle

These tickets are valid until 13 October, 2028.

Three storybook castles by morning, vineyard-hopping by noon—all on a small-group guided day trip.

Starting point: Starts 9:30am from Tours or Amboise Tourist Office (select at booking). Arrive 15 min early; no hotel pickup.
Day out to 8-hour guided road trip by comfy minivan (max. 8 guests) to two fairytale châteaux and two Loire wine tastings with a local expert.
You’ll get: Guided tours with priority access at Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry gardens, 8+ wine tastings (white, rosé, red, sparkling), and insider tips on Loire terroir and tasting.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle: Set on an island in the Indre River, this early Renaissance gem wows with symmetry and stone reflections. Your guide shares stories of noble life and the château’s elegant spiral staircases.
Villandry Castle: The Loire’s last Renaissance castle is best known for its gardens. Stroll with your guide through floral mosaics, a Renaissance water garden, and a hedge maze made for wandering.
Wine tasting – Amboise: Taste reds, rosés, whites, and sparkling wines from Touraine-Amboise as your guide unpacks regional aromas and tasting techniques.
Vouvray winery: Visit the vineyard, fermentation room, and 10th-century cave cellars now aging Vouvray’s crisp whites and bubbly. Finish with a pro-led tasting session.
Upgrades: Pickup is available from Tours or Amboise—ideal bases for overnight stays. Tours offers museums and nightlife, while Amboise is quieter, tourist-friendly, and near three castles.

Inclusions #

Round-trip transfers in a minivan
Small-group tour of 8
Guided tour of Azay-le-Rideau Castle
Entry ticket to Villandry Castle
Guided tour of the local winery at Vouvray
Wine tastings (8 glasses minimum)
Expert English-speaking guide

Exclusions #

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Lunch/snacks
French-speaking guide

The tour is only available in English.
Pregnant guests and those with limited mobility are advised not to join due to uneven terrain and cave access.
This tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old due to safety and transport regulations.
Large suitcases are not allowed on the minivan.
Pets are not allowed.
All participants, including infants and pets, must be declared and ticketed in advance—no additions can be made on the day.
Wine tastings are reserved for guests aged 18 and over; valid ID may be required.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Three storybook castles by morning, vineyard-hopping by noon—all on a small-group guided day trip.

Starting point: Starts 9:30am from Tours or Amboise Tourist Office (select at booking). Arrive 15 min early; no hotel pickup.
Day out to 8-hour guided road trip by comfy minivan (max. 8 guests) to two fairytale châteaux and two Loire wine tastings with a local expert.
You’ll get: Guided tours with priority access at Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry gardens, 8+ wine tastings (white, rosé, red, sparkling), and insider tips on Loire terroir and tasting.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle: Set on an island in the Indre River, this early Renaissance gem wows with symmetry and stone reflections. Your guide shares stories of noble life and the château’s elegant spiral staircases.
Villandry Castle: The Loire’s last Renaissance castle is best known for its gardens. Stroll with your guide through floral mosaics, a Renaissance water garden, and a hedge maze made for wandering.
Wine tasting – Amboise: Taste reds, rosés, whites, and sparkling wines from Touraine-Amboise as your guide unpacks regional aromas and tasting techniques.
Vouvray winery: Visit the vineyard, fermentation room, and 10th-century cave cellars now aging Vouvray’s crisp whites and bubbly. Finish with a pro-led tasting session.
Upgrades: Pickup is available from Tours or Amboise—ideal bases for overnight stays. Tours offers museums and nightlife, while Amboise is quieter, tourist-friendly, and near three castles.

Inclusions #

Round-trip transfers in a minivan
Small-group tour of 8
Guided tour of Azay-le-Rideau Castle
Entry ticket to Villandry Castle
Guided tour of the local winery at Vouvray
Wine tastings (8 glasses minimum)
Expert English-speaking guide

Exclusions #

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Lunch/snacks
French-speaking guide

The tour is only available in English.
Pregnant guests and those with limited mobility are advised not to join due to uneven terrain and cave access.
This tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old due to safety and transport regulations.
Large suitcases are not allowed on the minivan.
Pets are not allowed.
All participants, including infants and pets, must be declared and ticketed in advance—no additions can be made on the day.
Wine tastings are reserved for guests aged 18 and over; valid ID may be required.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

From Tours or Amboise: Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau Guided Tour + Wine tasting

Three storybook castles by morning, vineyard-hopping by noon—all on a small-group guided day trip.

Starting point: Starts 9:30am from Tours or Amboise Tourist Office (select at booking). Arrive 15 min early; no hotel pickup.
Day out to 8-hour guided road trip by comfy minivan (max. 8 guests) to two fairytale châteaux and two Loire wine tastings with a local expert.
You’ll get: Guided tours with priority access at Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry gardens, 8+ wine tastings (white, rosé, red, sparkling), and insider tips on Loire terroir and tasting.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle: Set on an island in the Indre River, this early Renaissance gem wows with symmetry and stone reflections. Your guide shares stories of noble life and the château’s elegant spiral staircases.
Villandry Castle: The Loire’s last Renaissance castle is best known for its gardens. Stroll with your guide through floral mosaics, a Renaissance water garden, and a hedge maze made for wandering.
Wine tasting – Amboise: Taste reds, rosés, whites, and sparkling wines from Touraine-Amboise as your guide unpacks regional aromas and tasting techniques.
Vouvray winery: Visit the vineyard, fermentation room, and 10th-century cave cellars now aging Vouvray’s crisp whites and bubbly. Finish with a pro-led tasting session.
Upgrades: Pickup is available from Tours or Amboise—ideal bases for overnight stays. Tours offers museums and nightlife, while Amboise is quieter, tourist-friendly, and near three castles.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

9 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets - Loire Valley Castles

From happy customers

Top things to do in Loire Valley

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau | A multifaceted diamond set in the Indre river

Loire Valley Castles

Why visit the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Which Château d'Azay-le-Rideau ticket is best for you?

If you are on a budget

If you are an enthusiastic explorer

What to see at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Northern façade

Southern façade

Grand staircase

King’s bedroom

Salon Biencourt

Private chapel

Restored kitchens

Plan your visit to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Frequently asked questions about Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets - Loire Valley Castles

Azay-le-Rideau Castle & Gardens Tickets

From Tours or Amboise: Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau Guided Tour + Wine tasting