Rebecca Marsik& Blake Sizer
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Built in first years of the reign of Francis I, began
building in 1515 and finally finished in 1527
Foundation rises
straight out of the
water, built on an
island in the Indre River
Most remarkable
feature is its central
internal staircase
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The chateau stands
on an island in the
River Indre, because
it was originally
chosen for a fort
that protected the
Tours to Chinon
route.
In 1119 the lord
Ridel d'Azay gave
his name to the fort
and surrounding
village.
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In 1418 an event
took place that
changed the fort
into the chateau we
so admire today.
Charles VII burned
down the whole fort
after being insulted
by the Burgundian
guard and he also
executed 350 men.
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You can visit the
chateau and the seven
rooms open to the
public inside for €5.50.
The interior is a little
disappointing
compared to the
magnificence on show
outside, but as I told
you grand staircase is
very impressive.
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The French state has
owned the estate since
1905.
Throughout the
centuries, the chateau
has been passed down
largely unchanged.