Relaxation at Château de l'Islette A day at the Château de l'Islette: romance and history in the Loire Valley

Discover the Château de l’Islette in Azay-le-Rideau, where the peaceful waters of the Indre embrace a Renaissance jewel of tufa stone. In this romantic haven, where Rodin and Camille Claudel fell passionately in love, every stone tells a story, every reflection in the water whispers a secret. Between authentic visits to the inhabited rooms and moments of relaxation in the gardens, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a living 21st-century château.

Visit to the Château de l'Islette Special moments to share

Take part in the guided tours to enhance your discovery of the château and its hidden treasures. Don’t miss the musical and gourmet evenings organised in the grounds, for an even more memorable experience. Share unique moments with your loved ones in a warm and intimate atmosphere. Château de l’Islette is much more than just a visit, it’s an invitation to relax and daydream, to be experienced and shared without moderation.

There are several options available to you, and they can be combined. To gently rack your brains, embark on a one-hour “outdoor escape game” that will turn you into an investigator: who killed one of the workmen as the moat-filling project nears completion? And why?

Château de l'Islette, sur les bords de l'Indre

If you’re with the family, you can be sure that even the most adventurous children will be able to find knight and princess costumes to help them relive the spirit of the place.

An enchanted interlude in the heart of Touraine

The park invites you to relax under the hundred-year-old trees.

Sit back here for a picnic, in this setting that couldn’t be more bucolic. If you haven’t planned anything, no problem: in the old mill, bread, terrines, fish rillettes (from Romain Gadais and Ambroise Voreux, in particular) and other spreads are on offer, not forgetting ice creams, poires tapées and even honey from the château’s beehives. Organic wines from Nicolas Paget can also accompany your meal.

Then comes siesta time: in one of the loung chairs, or in the generous grass, savour the moment. The less intrepid will find plenty to keep them occupied, includingthe farm animals (Touraine grey rabbits, geldings, geese, sheep, a donkey, a mule, and a pony!). Afterwards, why not play a game of Mölkky? Borrow this now-famous bowling game from the

A boat awaits you to explore the estate along the Indre, as visitors used to do in days gone by.

If you’d like to try your hand at the pleasure of canoeing, a number of boats are available. A bit of exercise, but also a few laughs in prospect!

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Around the Château de l'Islette

Entertainment that delight the senses

Let the magic of the festivities begin! Throughout the summer season, the owners orchestrate exceptional evenings under the stars. At dusk, a thousand candles light up the lounges while the jazzy notes of the Friday concerts resonate. Children marvel at storytelling by the fireside, while older children enjoy their picnics in the gardens.

Autumn brings its share of surprises with the Halloween treasure hunt, followed by gourmet workshops where young and old alike make spice biscuits. In winter, the enchantment of Christmas transforms the residence into an enchanted setting, where mischievous elves hide their secrets in the snow-covered grounds.

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The Michaud family

Another special feature of Château de l’Islette is that the Michaud family, owners of the property, live there for part of the year. While some of the rooms are reminiscent of centuries gone by, others are much more contemporary.

Meet the Michaud family, who welcome you to their Renaissance home with a resolutely modern approach. The tastefully furnished lounges harmoniously blend period furniture with contemporary comforts. In the library, old books rub shoulders with contemporary novels, while the historic cuisine comes alive with contemporary flavours.

In a nutshell on the château de l'Islette

A château steeped in romance and history

Discover Rodin and Claudel’s love refuge and a place where past and present coexist harmoniously.

A bucolic and convivial day

Picnic, paddle on the Indre, or relax in the gardens in the company of charming animals.

Magical events for all seasons

Jazz evenings, storytelling, treasure hunts and Christmas festivities immerse you in a unique atmosphere.

A living castle in the 21st century, Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel...

Rodin and Claudel: an artistic passion

The magic of the place worked from 1890, when Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel chose the Château de l’Islette as a refuge for their passionate love. In the Grande Salle, bathed in the light of the Indre, Rodin modelled his famous Balzac, while Camille gave life to La Petite Châtelaine, using Marguerite Boyer, the owners’ granddaughter, as her model. Their works were born to the rhythm of the seasons, over three consecutive summers.