1. Rebecca Marsik& Blake Sizer

2.  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

4.  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.

5.  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.

6.  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.

9.  The French state has owned the estate since 1905.  Throughout the centuries, the chateau has been passed down largely unchanged.