Château de l'Islette Travel Guide

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.