Fabulous reflections and sky! The architecture is fascinating.

The current appearance of the castle of Azay le Rideau goes back to this formidable period of architectural creativity which was the beginning of the reign of François 1st. Until this period, the castle of Azay le Rideau had a defensive object and look like all the fortresses of the area: drawbridge and machicolation. Moreover its architecture returned the image of the power of the lord who was the Master of the place.

A number of ownwer change the interior and exterior of the castle and the surrounding grounds.

Finally in 1791, it is bought by the marquess Charles de Biencourt. This one is an expert of the agricultural techniques of rationalization still stammering. He facilitates before all the modernization of the parts being used for agricultural exploitation. In 1825 his son, Armand Francois, begins the restoration of the castle. The work profits as of 1840 from subsidies from the Historic buildings. It carries out external and interior installations very important and will remove the last vestiges of the Middle Ages. In 1845, the last tower remaining of the old fortress is destroyed and it makes build the two turns which, from now on, punctuate the angles of the frontages on court.
The stylistic unit, thus created, breaks definitively with the former aspect. The library and the large living room at the same time are decorated in the style néo-renaissance. The site itself is redrawn in a large park. In the south and west, two mirrors of water are arranged in which the frontages are reflected.
In 1899, after the Second Empire, the last marquis de Biencourt, ruined, must sell the grounds and the furniture of the castle. The State, as for him, repurchases the castle emptied of its furniture and deprived of ground in 1905. New work of restoration is started as of 1907. Museum and historic building, the castle of Azay le Rideau is today like one of the essential places of memory of the Loire Valley. Interior spaces offer a voyage in the life of the monument since the Renaissance to the various moments of its history.

Wow, Paul, prachtige shot! Good image lay-out and cut, as well as fine colours. It looks as if you used a polarising filter? If yes, good choice! Kijk uit naar je volgende posting.

Magnificent castle, very clear and sharp, as always. Thanks for the interesting history that goes with the picture!

Thank you dear collegues!
Sometimes it is a pity we are bound the the 1600x1200 format.
I have a really nice image of the castle with a complete reflection in the water, which I shot with the camera 90 degrees turned. So that would become a very narrow post.
Well, maybe I should just ask you to rotate you monitor in that case...

Nice history and beautiful photo, a always.

This is magnificant Paul and your writeup is fascinating. What a beautiful building it is and the surrounding view is as spectacular. Excellent post and thanks for sharing it.

The photo is technically superior in all ways, Paul, and a very beautiful sight to see. Combining your information with that, it's all the more interesting. I really enjoyed reading the history of this fascinating castle. It's very good the restoration and preservation process is secure now. When you live somewhere that doesn't have quite 100 years of history to see, this castle is quite amazing to me. Wouldn't you just love to step into a time travel machine and go back to the beginning to see how things really happened and what things looked like then?! Thanks for all the wonderful information and this amazing photo! - Patty

What a wonderful shot... I love old buildings they are always full of amazing stories and wonderful designs.... nice work Paul

The details both archetectural and historical are excellent. I love the roof on that old castle. I'm trying to percieve just what material that they used. It really looks good. Nice picture.

Beautiful shot, and thank you for providing the history lesson too!

Great shot, indeed. Excellent composition and color. The reflections in the water are superb.

Great work, Paul. I love your expanded history of the castle. Excellent job!

What interesting history to go with this unbelievably perfect picture. I am always just amazed at your pictures. They are so professional. You could make a living with your skills. Thank you for another marvelous picture to go onto my DT.
Terry

Gorgeous....

Beautiful capture.
Russ

Incredible capture and history lesson, Paul. Magnificent work.

Very impressive, Paul. Both your shot and the architecture!

Great shot Paul and thanks for the info!
Yes indeed a pitty the 1600x1200.
greetings, Wim

The composition and the exposure are key elemants of this image. I would personelly add some more brightness to the dark area near the woods which will balance the shot more.

Is that part of the castle ?

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