Built on an island in the middle of the River Indre, Azay-le-Rideau was originally constructed between 1518 and 1523 for Gilles Berthelot, the wealthy Treasurer of France.  This castle reflected his dazzling social rising and standing.  Various tragic events in French history would prevent the Berthelot family from living here very long.  In 1528 the chateau was taken over by Francois 1st and by 1535 the Berthelot familty lost it completely to Antoine Raffin who's family remained the owner until the Revolution.  The Marquis and Marquess de Biencourt bought the chateau in 1787 in a very dilapated state and spent a great deal of money on renovation, ensuring that it would survive.  The French state has owned the estate since 1905.  Throughout the centuries, the chateau has been passed down largely unchanged. 

In design, it is a perfect alliance of the traditional along with certain elements borrowed from Italian Renaissance architecture.  The heavy towers give the palace a feudal character.  Inside, there is a renaissance museum with emphasis on furniture and tapestries. 

Many visitors to the Loire Valley think Azay-le-Rideau is the most beautiful chateau of them all.