the chateau series: azay-le-rideau
In Part 2, let’s share:
Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
Was it extravagant? YES
Was it original? YES
Was it impressive? YES
But in saying all that, this was probably our least favourite of the chateaux we visited. And not because it wasn’t gorgeous to look at – just in comparison to the others we saw… it wasn’t AS “WOW”.
To be fair, we were there in miserable weather so we not able to explore as much of the gardens as we would’ve liked.
So upon paying the entry fee and walking out of the ticket office… we walk down the tree-lined paths and before us stands an example of early Renaissance architecture, positioned beautifully in front of lake.
Yeah, okay … it is pretty WOW.
Enter the doors to ascend the grand staircases, which is an example of one of the first French examples of staircases which are straight and not spiral. Knowing this little pieced of information is rather exciting for us. We do walk up them slowly to soak up the experience.
At the top, we enter the great attic and look up to the ceilings. The original timberwork (dating back to 1550s) is overhead- and it is basically like an upturned ark. The crowds in this room suggests it is a main feature and possibly the drawcard.
Then the remaining parts of the chateau is like looking back into the “everyday” living quarters.
The study:
The very fancy four-poster in the bedchamber:
The salon which welcomes guests. It is open and inviting especially the rather plush-looking seating. Portraits adorning the red matching walls.
This particular dresser caught our attention – with the intricate level of detail on each draw.
Lastly, anyone for a game of billiards? On those back walls hang large tapestries of a hunting scene. Very fitting for the entertainment room, maybe in those days anyway 😉
When we were done inside, it was time to pop outside and check out the view from behind.
Yeah, alright then! So it is extraordinarily fancy but some more impressive chateaus are still on their way.
Have you visited this chateau?
If you have been here, tell us what you thought here or just leave us a comment.
wise monkeys abroad 
May 28, 2015 at 5:23 pm
most chateaus are fancy. Otherwise you’d call this series the ‘big house series’ 😛 i want a moat.
May 29, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Hahaha… Andrew, your comments are always guaranteed to be entertaining 🙂
May 27, 2015 at 11:11 pm
I have been in such a castly mood lately and this post totally satisfied my craving for a daily dose of romance castle style! Thanks!! Beautiful photos!
May 29, 2015 at 9:52 pm
Ahhh…. well, Diana – we have another 6 posts coming so keep your eye out 😉
Hope you have been well!
May 26, 2015 at 11:52 pm
You’re absolutely right hahah but I must say, the dresser was interesting 🙂
May 29, 2015 at 9:53 pm
Glad you agree with us about the dresser too 🙂
May 26, 2015 at 1:11 pm
Looked pretty fabulous to me!
May 26, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Yeah it is pretty fabulous… We simply love looking at these type of things 🙂
May 26, 2015 at 12:09 pm
We didn’t see that one. Thank you for the tour, L&D
May 26, 2015 at 8:49 pm
Glad we were able to share something new with you Ken! Hope you have been well,… Full-time working is really taking it out of us LOL 🙂
May 26, 2015 at 4:34 am
Always amazed, and somewhat amused, by the four poster beds. An absolute definition of ostentation, unless, of course a malaria screen is dangling down. 🙂 –Curt
May 26, 2015 at 8:51 pm
Hahah!! You are so right about those four-poster beds. We joke about getting something similar for our bedroom in our two-bedroom apartment 😉
May 27, 2015 at 8:06 am
It would definitely serve as a conversation starter. (grin)
May 25, 2015 at 7:34 pm
The chateau looks small on the outside, but it seems like there is a lot packed inside and a lot to take in. That timberwood ceiling is certainly magnificent, such parallel patterns. Those cushions do look inviting, but I suppose like many grand places open to the places, it’s a case of see-no-touch 😀 I’m sure this chateau offered the two of you some escape from the miserable weather 😀
May 26, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Yes Mabel, they definitely were able to squeeze a lot in & enough space inside for us and all the other visitors to seek refuge!!! These types of buildings fascinate us so much…. We now want to visit England again and pay closer attention to all the important spots during the reign of King Henry VIII.
Hope you are staying warm in Melbourne -Sydney is freezing!!!!
May 25, 2015 at 7:22 pm
That is indeed a very fancy bed. I wonder how comfortable it would be.
May 26, 2015 at 8:59 pm
In those days, if our memories serves us correctly, they used to sleep sitting upright, wasn’t it? That’s why beds seemed so short. Lying flat was for the dead… So comfort was probably the least of their worries LOL…
May 26, 2015 at 9:21 pm
I haven’t heard that but it makes sense.
May 25, 2015 at 6:10 pm
The Wow-effect garden is missing :p
May 26, 2015 at 9:00 pm
Timo – you are sooo correct there 🙂
How’s your MIL going?? And my goodness, saw photos of Nathan – he is sooo grown up now!
May 26, 2015 at 10:47 pm
Yeah, he is growing pretty quick. Soon he can spit on my head!