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Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets - Loire Valley Castles
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minivan
START POINT
2 starting points available
1. Tourist Office
2. Amboise Tourist Office
25 km
30 minutes
1
Azay-le-Rideau
Tickets included
Guided tour
12.7 km
16 minutes
2
Villandry Castle
60 min
Tickets not included
Refreshment break, Sightseeing, Free time to explore
55 km
46 minutes
3
Amboise
30 min
Free Admission
Wine tasting
16.4 km
18 minutes
4
Vouvray
75 min
Free Admission
Wine tasting, Guided tour
16 km
18 minutes
5
END POINT
2 ending points available
1. Tourist Office
2. Amboise Tourist Office
From grand French architecture and themed gardens to sparkling white and rosé wines—experience the best of the Loire Valley on a guided day trip.
- Day out to: The stunning Azay-le-Rideau Castle, the variety gardens at Villandry, wine tasting at Amboise, and a local winery complete with wine-tasting.
- You'll get: Round-trip transfers from Tours or Amboise in an air-conditioned minivan with a local English-speaking guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the castle, followed by the gardens, enriched with historical insights and stories. Stop in Amboise for a wine tasting—this region is known for its diverse grape varieties. The experience continues at a local French winery, where you’ll explore underground cellars, learn about the wine-making process, and gain a deeper appreciation for regional wines.
- Azay-le-Rideau Castle: A prime example of early French Renaissance architecture, the castle offers a glimpse into the lives of nobility in the early 16th century. Built on an island in the Indre River, the castle's unique location adds to its visual and romantic appeal.
- Villandry Castle: Said to be the last Renaissance castle built in the Loire Valley, Villandry draws visitors mainly for its variety of manicured gardens. From vegetable and water gardens to ornamental flower beds, the intricate patterns and seasonal blooms steal the show.
- Amboise: A popular spot for wine tourism in the Loire Valley, Amboise wines are known for their quality and character, especially those from the Touraine-Amboise appellation. Enjoy a glass of white, rosé, red, or sparkling wine!
- Vouvray: Located in the Loire Valley, the wine region of Vouvray invites you on a guided tour that traces every stage of winemaking—from vine to glass. Visit the vineyards, the vat room where fermentation happens, the underground cellars where wines age, and end with a tasting led by expert wine professionals (sommeliers).
- Upgrades: Pickup is available from Tours or Amboise—preferred Loire Valley bases for overnight stays. While Tours is a well-connected city with museums and nightlife; Amboise is quieter, tourist-friendly, and close to three castles.
From grand French architecture and themed gardens to sparkling white and rosé wines—experience the best of the Loire Valley on a guided day trip.
- Day out to: The stunning Azay-le-Rideau Castle, the variety gardens at Villandry, wine tasting at Amboise, and a local winery complete with wine-tasting.
- You'll get: Round-trip transfers from Tours or Amboise in an air-conditioned minivan with a local English-speaking guide. Enjoy a guided visit to the castle, followed by the gardens, enriched with historical insights and stories. Stop in Amboise for a wine tasting—this region is known for its diverse grape varieties. The experience continues at a local French winery, where you’ll explore underground cellars, learn about the wine-making process, and gain a deeper appreciation for regional wines.
- Azay-le-Rideau Castle: A prime example of early French Renaissance architecture, the castle offers a glimpse into the lives of nobility in the early 16th century. Built on an island in the Indre River, the castle's unique location adds to its visual and romantic appeal.
- Villandry Castle: Said to be the last Renaissance castle built in the Loire Valley, Villandry draws visitors mainly for its variety of manicured gardens. From vegetable and water gardens to ornamental flower beds, the intricate patterns and seasonal blooms steal the show.
- Amboise: A popular spot for wine tourism in the Loire Valley, Amboise wines are known for their quality and character, especially those from the Touraine-Amboise appellation. Enjoy a glass of white, rosé, red, or sparkling wine!
- Vouvray: Located in the Loire Valley, the wine region of Vouvray invites you on a guided tour that traces every stage of winemaking—from vine to glass. Visit the vineyards, the vat room where fermentation happens, the underground cellars where wines age, and end with a tasting led by expert wine professionals (sommeliers).
- Upgrades: Pickup is available from Tours or Amboise—preferred Loire Valley bases for overnight stays. While Tours is a well-connected city with museums and nightlife; Amboise is quieter, tourist-friendly, and close to 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.
- It is not recommended for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments.
- For security and legal reasons, the tour is unsuitable for children under four years.
- Large suitcases are not allowed on the minivan.
- Pets are not allowed.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Loire ValleyChâteau d'Azay-le-Rideau Tickets
Make the most of Loire Valley
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
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
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
Timings
Getting here
Facilities
Tips and guidelines
Dining
Stay
Nearby
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
- 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).
- 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.
Frequently asked questions about Château d'Azay-le-Rideau tickets
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.
Millions love heading out with us
Julie
United StatesMar, 2025
+ 2 more
The guide(s) and bus driver were all great! Chambord was absolutely stunning, though the castle itself is mostly empty, with the exceptions of faux deer heads representing the history and hunting prowess of Francis I, modern art installations, and a reproduction of the theater; it allows you to focus on the building itself. Amboise was very cool, much smaller and more homey, with more in the way of historical storytelling in the exhibits compared to Chambord, and some exceptional views of the Loire; but the town might be even better than the castle. You won't be bored if you skip the castle tour. Personally, Orléans was the only part I could have done without. The Orleans visit focused on two sites: the Cathedral, and "home" of Jeanne d'Arc. While I thought the message of the visit was on point, it also felt overwhelming and rushed after such a long day.
Photos are all from Chambord
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Susana
MexicoJun, 2024
It was a unique experience.
The dinner was delicious in a nice atmosphere with live music with violin and piano. I will definitely book it again.
I got in quickly with no lines thanks to the headout entrance!!!!
View original review in Spanish
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Glenn
CanadaAug, 2023
Chambord and Chenanceau are beautiful fairy tales castles, just like from Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. The Chateaus and the accompanying countryside make a very relaxing escape from Paris. Our guides on the bus tour, Saeed and Emma, were amazing with their knowledge of the region including both Chateaus and the Medeival town of Blois. Actually, I enjoyed their stories and presentation of the material very much and felt it really made for an enjoyable experience.
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Harvey
May, 2025
Ticketing was very easy online. The site was incredible - could have spent days instead of hours. We saw a lot and learned a lot. Thanks.
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John
United StatesOct, 2024
This château is our favorite one to visit, so I knew I had to bring my clients here. Of course, they were not disappointed.
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Viviane
FranceMay, 2024
Reception, online tickets. The richness of the exhibits, references to the great periods of our history from the Middle Ages to the Revolution, information on the great figures of these eras and on life and customs.
View original review in French
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Gallo
ItalyOct, 2023
Everything went very well, no queue, you get straight to the entrance. Beautiful castles each with their own originality both in the interior and in the gardens, one more beautiful than the other.
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Mercadier
FranceSep, 2024
easy to use electronic ticket
but it's a pity you can't get a paper edition of the ticket
View original review in French
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David
Sep, 2024
Easy to buy and obtain tickets without speaking French. Same price as at the official location, although we were able to take advantage of a discount coupon for having purchased a previous activity on the same website. Of course, they charged us "management fees", even though we had to do it all ourselves...
View original review in Spanish
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Elizabeth
MexicoJan, 2024
✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
Todo muy padre!! Excelente!!!
Muy eficiente!!
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