3. The chateau of Azay-le-Rideau was one of the first castles of the Renaissance. It was built between 1518 and 1523 for Gilles Berthelot, a rich treasurer who was in the service of King François I. He was later in jeopardy and the chateau was confiscated. However, Azay-le-Rideau is an unfinished castle. In the initial plan it was to form a quadrilateral but the two complementary wings were never built.

5. Azay-le-Rideau is a small town which is located at 25 km southwest of Tours and at 20 km east of Chinon. It is located on the Indre River.

6. Considered the most feminine of the Loire castles, it includes decorative turrets, and scenic moats. Its design is a perfect alliance of the traditional and elements borrowed from Italian architecture. Its sculpted decor and the beauty of its walls make this castle so famous.

7. The Azay-le-Rideau is known as the of the gem of Touraine and is the purest and best of early French Renaissance. The towers at the angles are pierced with beautiful cross windows, and have pyramidal roofs crowned with spikes and adorned with chimneys.

9. Azay-le-Rideau was originally built by Charles VII. One day, in 1418, a guard, who lived there insulted Charles VII. Charles was so mad that he burned it to the ground. Gilles Berthelot rebuilt it from1518 to 1527.

10. Azay-le-Rideau had several owners. In particular, Henri de Beringhem to who installed and decorated the Room of the King. The castle now belongs to France since 1905.

11. People who lived in Azay-le-Rideau usually dressed in Renaissance clothes.

12. Azay-le-Rideau, which now serves as a museum, contains many furniture that dates back to the 16th century. There are also many interesting rooms such the Red Room (above left). Also there are many famous paintings.

13. Today, a sound and light show, "Les Imaginaires d'Azay-le- Rideau", invites the visitor to walk along the river. South of Azay-le-Rideau, the village of Crissay-sur-Manse has been recognized as one of the "most beautiful villages in France". The museum is open daily from 12h-10h, except for January 1, May 1, November 11, and December 25.