|
Azay-le-Rideau
Azay-le-Rideau () is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France. Château The château of Azay-le-Rideau was built from 1515 to 1527, one of the earliest French Renaissance châteaux. Built on an island in the river Indre, its foundations rise straight out of the water. It is one of the best known of the châteaux of the Loire valley. Church There is a church dedicated to Saint Symphorien near the château that is interesting for the number of architectural periods incorporated in its design. While the newest portion dates from 1603, the current façade incorporates an older 9th century façade in the Carolingian style. The original carved figures are still visible, though an added window destroyed part of the second row. The rest of the church is of a Romanesque style. It was built between 1518 and 1527. Wine Azay-le-Rideau is the centre of the Touraine Azay-le-Rideau AOC for white and rose wine. Twin towns Azay-le-Rideau is twinned with Croston in Lanc ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Touraine Azay-le-Rideau AOC
Touraine is an ''Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée'' (AOC) in the Loire Valley (wine), Loire Valley wine region in France that produce dry, white wines and red wines rich in tannins (wine), tannins. The AOC status was awarded by a decree of December 24, 1939 (modified by the decree of August 29, 2002). The wine-growing area extends over departments of Indre-et-Loire, Indre and Loir-et-Cher and comprises a total of 70 communes and it is thus a "subregional" appellation covering the same area as a number of local AOCs. Grape varieties The white wines are made from Chenin blanc grapes (known locally as Pineau Blanc de la Loire), and from Sauvignon blanc and Arbois (grape), Arbois grapes. The white Touraine wines are dry, fairly firm, lively and full, and keep well when bottled. The sparkling wines are allowed to use the designation "Touraine mousse" (sparkling Touraine wine). Up to 20% of Chardonnay grapes may be included in the mixture of varieties grown. The red wines are produc ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Châteaux Of The Loire Valley
The châteaux of the Loire Valley (french: châteaux de la Loire) are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours along the river Loire in France. They illustrate Renaissance ideals of design in France. The châteaux of the Loire Valley number over three hundred, ranging from practical fortified castles from the 10th century to splendid residences built half a millennium later. When the French kings began constructing their huge châteaux in the Loire Valley, the nobility, drawn to the seat of power, followed suit, attracting the finest architects and landscape designers. The châteaux and their surrounding gardens are cultural monuments which embody the ideals of the Renaissance and Enlightenment. Many of the châteaux were built on hilltops, such as the Château d'Amboise, while the only one built in the riverbed is the Château de Montsoreau. Many had exquisite churches on the ground ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
