Centre-Val de Loire · Indre-et-Loire, France

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Built on an island in the Indre, whose still water gives the château its celebrated mirror reflection. Balzac called it "a faceted diamond set in the Indre". Its financier builder fled before completion when caught in a royal purge; today it is state-owned and superbly restored.

At a glance

Built: 1518–1527
Style: Early French Renaissance
Commissioned by: Gilles Berthelot and Philippe Lesbahy
Signature feature: Moat-mirror reflection and the grand ceremonial staircase
Setting: Built directly on an island in the River Indre
Ownership: French state (Centre des monuments nationaux)
Heritage status: Within the UNESCO Loire Valley listing (2000)
Visiting: Open to visitors year-round