Château de l'Islette, Centre Val De Loire Travel Guide

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Discover a charming Renaissance castle on the Indre River, a romantic retreat once shared by Rodin and Camille Claudel. Open daily April 5 - November 2!

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Centre Val De Loire
Château de l'Islette

Nestled on an island where the Indre River forks, Château de l'Islette is a charming Renaissance castle with a rich history. Often compared to its neighbor, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, it offers a more intimate glimpse into French history and architecture, famously serving as a romantic retreat for sculptors Rodin and Camille Claudel.

A brief summary to Château de l'Islette

9 Rte de Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, 37190, FR
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Monday 10 am-7 pm
Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
Thursday 10 am-7 pm
Friday 10 am-7 pm
Saturday 10 am-7 pm
Sunday 10 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Château de l'Islette.

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the tranquil gardens along the Indre River for a relaxing experience.
Download the free mobile app for a self-guided tour of the castle in multiple languages.
Consider a boat ride on the Indre River for a unique perspective of the château and its surroundings.
Check the schedule for guided tours (in French) to enhance your visit with historical insights.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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The Lantern Rochecorbon (watchtower from the 15th century)

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Château de Chenonceau

Explore Château de l'Islette on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Château de l'Islette, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

Château de l'Islette is located just off the D57, 2km west of Azay-le-Rideau. From Azay-le-Rideau, follow the D57 towards Langeais; the chateau will be signposted. There is a free parking area available for visitors. Parking is free.
Public Transport

From Tours, take a train to Azay-le-Rideau. From the Azay-le-Rideau train station, you can take a bus towards the center of Azay-le-Rideau. From there, it is approximately a 2km walk or a short taxi ride to Château de l'Islette. A single bus fare is approximately €3. A taxi from the train station to the chateau will cost approximately €5-€7.

Discover more about Château de l'Islette

Château de l'Islette, gracefully situated on a small island formed by the Indre River, presents a captivating blend of Renaissance architecture and intimate history. Constructed between 1526 and 1530, the château shares architectural similarities with the nearby Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, leading some to describe them as 'brothers'. Built from soft white freestone, the château has been owned by several families throughout its history, and since the mid-1960s has been undergoing restoration by the Michaud family, who still reside there today.In the 1890s, the Château de l'Islette served as a clandestine romantic haven for Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel. During their stays, Claudel sculpted 'La Petite Châtelaine de l'Islette,' using the granddaughter of the château's owner as her model. Today, visitors can explore the castle's interior with guided tours (in French) or using a mobile app available in 10 languages, and wander through the English-style gardens. The Great Hall on the first floor features remarkable early 17th-century pictorial decorations.The grounds offer a tranquil setting for picnics and boat rides on the river. The old mill house has been converted into a shop and snack bar. The castle has been open to the public since 2010, providing a unique experience where history and modern life intertwine.