Azay-le-Rideau 4.94

Azay-le-Rideau is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France.ChâteauThe château of Azay-le-Rideau was built from 1515 to 1527, one of the earliest French Renaissance châteaux. Built on an island in the Indre River, its foundations rise straight out of the water. It is one of the best known of the châteaux of the Loire valley.ChurchThere is a church dedicated to Saint Symphorien near the château that is interesting for the number of architectural periods incorporated in its design. While the newest portion dates from 1603, the current façade incorporates an older 9th century façade in the Carolingian style. The original carved figures are still visible, though an added window destroyed part of the second row. The rest of the church is of a Romanesque style. It was built between 1518 and 1527.WineAzay-le-Rideau is the centre of the Touraine Azay-le-Rideau AOC for white and rose wine.Twin townsAzay-le-Rideau is twinned with Croston in Lancashire, England.