Azay-le-Rideau castle

Azay-le-Rideau is rightfully considered the most beautiful palace, a truly fabulous creation among all the castles of the Loire Valley. Honore de Balzac once worked in these parts on the novel Lily in the Valley. He called Rideau Castle "a sparkling diamond."

The masterpiece of the French Renaissance, Azeil-le-Rideau stands over the Indre bend. The castle, surrounded by a quiet water surface and a well-groomed English park, seems to be the embodiment of tranquility and comfort. However, the first owner of the miracle palace was a man whom his contemporaries called "the devil's offspring." Knight Riedel d'Aze - aka Rideau - became famous among the local population for his incredible cruelty.
Today the castle houses the Renaissance Museum. It contains paintings and furniture, household items of the former owners.