Le Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (anglais)

Built under King François I on an island in the middle of the river Indre, the château d'Azay-le-Rideau embodies the creative verve that inspirited the whole of the Loire Valley at the time. Adopting the architectural vocabulary of the Renaissance in fashion throughout Europe, it became one of the jewels of the new art of building. Its successive owners strove to elevate it to the rank of a national treasure. The Biencourt family in particular undertook substantial improvements in the 19th century. Restored and provided with a splendid park in the English style, the château acquired its distinctive image. After a final major restoration campaign by the French State, the château d'Azay-le-Rideau has regained the éclat and charm visitors have admired over the centuries.