# Azay-le-Rideau

> commune in Indre-et-Loire, France

**Wikidata**: [Q243032](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q243032)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azay-le-Rideau)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/azay-le-rideau

## Summary
Azay-le-Rideau is a commune in the department of Indre-et-Loire, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It is best known for its iconic Renaissance château, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, which is a major cultural and historical landmark. The commune is a distinct node in the French administrative structure, representing a blend of historical significance and modern local governance.

## Key Facts
- **Name**: Azay-le-Rideau  
- **Type**: Commune in France  
- **Location**: Indre-et-Loire department, Centre-Val de Loire region  
- **Population Data**: Population estimates range from 2,749 to 3,542 over recent decades  
- **Coordinates**: 47.261388888889° N, 0.46611111111111° E  
- **Notable Site**: Home to the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a French castle built in 1510  
- **Historical Significance**: The château is a prime example of French Renaissance architecture  
- **Administrative Relationships**:
  - Part of the canton of Azay-le-Rideau (until March 2015)
  - Located in arrondissement of Tours (administrative district)
  - Also associated with Chinon arrondissement
  - Belongs to the Indre-et-Loire department (founded March 4, 1790)
- **Local Government**: Azay-le-Rideau is part of the French Republic (inception: 1789)  
- **Website**: [http://www.azaylerideau.fr/](http://www.azaylerideau.fr/)  
- **Cultural Identity**: The town is a symbol of French Renaissance heritage and architectural elegance  

## FAQs

**What is Azay-le-Rideau known for?**  
Azay-le-Rideau is most famous for its Renaissance château, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, which is one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture. The château is a major tourist attraction and a cultural symbol of the commune.

**Where is Azay-le-Rideau located?**  
It is located in the Indre-et-Loire department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The commune is part of the administrative districts of the arrondissements of Tours and Chinon.

**What is the population of Azay-le-Rideau?**  
Population data for Azay-le-Rideau varies between approximately 2,750 and 3,500 residents over recent decades, with the most recent figures indicating a population of around 3,400.

**What is the significance of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?**  
The château is a historical monument built in 1510, symbolizing the height of French Renaissance architecture. It is a key cultural and tourist asset for the commune.

**What is the administrative structure of Azay-le-Rideau?**  
Azay-le-Rideau is a commune within the French Republic, part of the canton of Azay-le-Rideau (until March 2015) and located in the arrondissement of Tours.

**What is the role of the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?**  
The château serves as a major cultural and historical landmark, representing the architectural and artistic achievements of the French Renaissance.

## Why It Matters
Azay-le-Rideau matters as a cultural and historical microcosm of French heritage, particularly through its architectural gem, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. The château is a living monument to the French Renaissance, showcasing the elegance and innovation of 16th-century design. The commune plays a key role in preserving and presenting this legacy, making it a vital stop for cultural tourism and historical education in the region. The château is not just a building but a symbol of the town’s identity, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its rich history.

## Notable For
- **Château d'Azay-le-Rideau**: A masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, built in 1510, and a national historic monument  
- **Cultural Tourism**: The château is one of the most visited historical sites in the Loire Valley  
- **Historical Significance**: The commune is a living example of 16th-century French nobility and architectural innovation  
- **Administrative Legacy**: Part of the former canton of Azay-le-Rideau (until 2015) and located in the arrondissement of Tours  
- **Symbol of the Loire Valley**: A key stop on the UNESCO World Heritage route of the Valley of the Loies  
- **Population Trends**: A small but culturally rich commune with a population that has remained relatively stable over time  

## Body

### Geography and Territory
Azay-le-Rideau is a commune located in the Indre-et-Loire department, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The town is situated at approximately 47.2614° N, 0.4661° E. The area is defined by its historical and cultural landmarks, particularly the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, which overlooks the Indre River.

### Demographics and Population
The population of Azay-le-Rideau has ranged between 2,750 and 3,500 in recent years, with the commune maintaining a small but historically significant community. The town's demographics reflect a blend of rural and heritage-focused residency, with many residents involved in tourism and cultural preservation.

### Government and Administration
Azay-le-Rideau is a commune within the French Republic, part of the administrative structure of the Indre-et-Loire department. It was historically part of the canton of Azay-le-Rideau, which was dissolved in March 2015. The commune is also part of the arrondissements of Tours and Chinon, reflecting its regional importance in local governance.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, built in 1510, is one of the most iconic examples of French Renaissance architecture. It is a key cultural and historical site in the Loire Valley, attracting international visitors and scholars. The château is a symbol of the town’s rich heritage and a major draw for cultural tourism.

### Local Identity and Tourism
Azay-le-Rideau is notable for its deep connection to French history and its role in preserving national heritage. The commune's identity is deeply tied to its château, which represents the elegance and innovation of the French Renaissance. The château and commune together form a cultural and historical hub in the Loire Valley, drawing visitors from around the world.

### Related Entities and Infrastructure
- **Château d'Azay-le-Rideau**: A French castle built in 1510, representing a key historical site in the Loire Valley  
- **Indre-et-Loire**: A French department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, established on March 4, 1790  
- **Canton of Azay-le-Rideau**: A former canton of France (until March 2015)  
- **Arrondissements**: Part of the administrative districts of Tours and Chinon  
- **Commune of France**: A territorial subdivision for municipalities since 1789  
- **Azay-le-Rideau Website**: [http://www.azaylerideau.fr/](http://www.azaylerideau.fr/)  

### Notable Features
- **Château d'Azay-le-Rideau**: A French castle built in 1510, representing a key historical site in the Loire Valley  
- **Cultural Tourism**: The château is a major draw for cultural tourism and a symbol of the town’s rich heritage  
- **Historical Significance**: The commune is a living monument to the French Renaissance, showcasing the elegance and innovation of 16th-century design  
- **Administrative Legacy**: Part of the former canton of Azay-le-Rideau (until 2015) and located in the arrondissements of Tours and Chinon  
- **Population Trends**: A small but culturally rich commune with a stable population over time

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/K7--0260)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
24. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
26. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File