Thursday 13 March 2014

Reflections: Chateau d'Azay - le - Rideau

Do not worry if you have built castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. David Henry Thoreau
Once again, I am joining Weekend Reflections. Click here to see the reflections of others.

CHATEAU D’AZAY-LE-RIDEAU - Loire Valley, France

While meandering through the grounds of Chateau Azay-le-Rideau, absorbing the tranquil beauty of its gardens, a reflection of this charming renaissance castle framed by foliage, came into view. 


Built between 1521 and 1523, during the reign of Francoise 1, Chateau Azay-le-Rideau is considered to be the "jewel of the French Renaissance". Its interior  is dominated by the ornately  embellished grand staircase on which the influence of Italian architecture is clearly evident. Chateau Azay-le-Rideau may be a comparatively small chateau on the Loire valley landscape, but it is definitely worth a visit.

                         Click here to view all participants of Weekend Reflections. 

13 comments:

Unknown said...

I do love the French Chateaus. This is a particularly fine example. Sometimes they have been converted into hotels and we get to stay in them on our drive down through France.

Virginia said...

I am in the midst of working with someone in the Loire Valley. Now you photos have made me REALLY want to visit. Gorgeous shots.
V

Decor To Adore said...

I will be passing through the Loire valley during my upcoming trip and can't wait!

Happy St. Patrick's Day weekend!

Burlap Luxe said...

Oh Elizabeth, so wish I were there to experience the beauty of the Loire Valley with you and your beautiful experience and knowledge of France.
The history here is just breathtaking, could you even imagin living in a castle like this?

Thank you dear friend for sharing the beauty of France with us who have distance between here and there.
I am going to go see if I have missed anything with your older posting and catch up on all your French beauty.

Thank you dear friend for taking the time to visit me and leaving a comment that joys my heart.

Xx
Bisous

Doré

Valerie said...

What beauty you have captured and thoughtfully provided background information. I will be visiting France during April and May and am greatly anticipating similarly magnificent sights - thank you for a foretaste (and for your kind comments on my blog). Thank you for sharing your experiences, Elizabeth

'Tsuki said...

Une majestueuse participation, ce chaterau est superbe : merci pour la visite !

chai-and-chardonnay.blogspot.com said...

A wonderful chateau…among so many others in that area! And a great reflection.

Jennifer said...

Just beautiful!! Your photography is amazing, as is the chateau!!

cieldequimper said...

Azay (this one, there's another Azay) is one of my favourite Loire castles, you've captured it so well!

Suburban Girl said...

Oh, this is just so beautiful. I makes me wish I could see it as you do...in person!

Fabulously French said...

Stunning photos of a stunning Château.
We did not have time to visit this Château last August, when we took a short break in the Loire but plan to when we visit the Loire later in the year.

très bon week-end à vous,

Leeann

Viera said...

What a beautiful chateau... Unfortunately I've never visited it...Excellent reflection...

Lynne said...

Elizabeth, your images are beautiful! I just departed Panamania and found myself in a castle the Loire Valley. You are a wonderful historian. I had stopped by earlier. I am back to ponder with a good glass of wine in hand.
withLove.