The castle's fifth centenary
Festive event
An immersive show, an night stroll, an exhibition, historical demonstrations and more... To celebrate this historic anniversary, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is offering a brand new summer programme.
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Prices
Refer to each event for prices
A fifth centenary is a celebration!
In 2025, the château is celebrating an historic event in its history: the5th centenary of its construction. Built in the heart of Touraine in the early 16th century by Gilles Berthelot, King François I 's financier, and his wife Philippe Lesbahy, this emblematic Renaissance château is a true architectural gem.
A witness to the history of France from the Renaissance to the present day, it embodies not only the splendour of its era, but also the evolution of architecture, the decorative arts and French culture over five centuries. Today, the château is an emblematic site in the Loire Valley, welcoming over 300,000 visitors every year.
To find out more about the history and architecture of the château
Exhibition
Hidden Portraits / Portraits Cachés
The works of Volker Hermes, a German photographer and artist, are integrated into the historical painting collection of the château. His digital photomontages reinterpret the portraits of prominent historical figures by incorporating ornaments creatively repurposed from their costumes and adornments. To find out more
From 28 June to 2 November
Shows
- La Conjuration d'Azay
Enjoy an unforgettable immersive theatrical experience as you travel back in time to 1619 on the eve of young Louis XIII's visit to the château and try to foil an attempt on the King's life.
From 16 July to 23 August, Wednesday to Saturday, 7pm to midnight
English time slots:
From 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm and from 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm
On every performance day, except July 30 and 31, 2025
Find out more and reserve your ticket
- La Roulotte d'Arlequin
A family show, this opera made up of three singers, ten musicians, and a dancer, performed in the open air, takes the château as its backdrop.
11 July at 5pm
Find out more
- Opéra Lalilo
A family show, this open-air opera for three singers, ten musicians and a dancer takes place against the backdrop of the château.
12 July at 8.30pm
Find out more
- Illustre Renaissance
A narrated concert that gives pride of place to the voice and pays tribute to the women and brilliant minds of the Renaissance.
28 July at 4pm
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Historical events
Every Tuesday, take a leap back in time with a Renaissance parade, ancient games and musketeer battles. Come and enjoy a historical adventure full of discovery and entertainment!
Activities offered exclusively in French
Night stroll
When night falls, illuminated works of art appear on the façades of the castle. They create a new contemplative and immersive universe that invites you to daydream.
From 16 July to 23 August, Wednesday to Saturday, from dusk to midnight.
Renaissance Ball
It's party night at the castle! Enter the dance to the sound of the lute, the sackbut and the guiterne, the ball master Robin Joly will introduce you to the dances of the Renaissance.
29 July at 8pm