New Interiors in the Chateau of Azay le Rideau

Following the enormous task of restoring the exterior of the Chateau of Azay le Rideau the curators have completely refurbished the ground floor 19th century rooms dedicated to the last private owners, the Biencourt family. Using photographs showing how the Biencourts furnished, decorated and occupied the spaces the curators have recreated a series of comfortable, fashionable 19th century interiors, ranging from drawing room to billiards room, dining room to sitting room. Let us show you the very splendid result and tell you how it was achieved.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Chateau of Azay le Rideau Restoration

Over the past couple of years the beautiful Renaissance chateau of Azay le Rideau has been restored inside and out. Learn how the work served to train apprentice masons, carpenters, roofers and metal workers so traditional construction industry skills are maintained in the Loire Valley. We have a background in heritage management and conservation and know the project manager who co-ordinated this extraordinary 16 million euro project. We can give you insights into the conservation of this and other Loire Valley buildings that other tours cannot offer.

The chateau halfway through restoration, in 2016.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Looking to the Future of Notre-Dame

Fires in historic buildings under repair are nothing new. In fact, big restorations are a known risk factor. Everything that can be done is done to protect against fire, but sometimes tragedies happen. After all, we can't choose not to repair centuries old buildings -- they would fall down if there was no intervention. So it's a risk we have to take, and it is a situation visitors have to accept if they want to be able to see these buildings in the future. Don't think of scaffolding as ruining your photos, think of it as an opportunity to learn more about heritage building conservation, with an experienced and professional guide such as Susan from Loire Valley Time Travel.

Often, like at the Chateau of Azay le Rideau, under scaffolding for two years while the roof, attics and upper courses of masonry were carefully conserved, repaired and replaced where necessary, it all goes according to plan and the building is unveiled looking more beautiful than ever, and fit for a couple more centuries.

Sadly, sometimes it all goes horribly wrong and there is a disaster such as happened at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris. In both cases however, the outlook is the same and is a positive one. We have an extraordinary opportunity to train new conservators and artisans in the care and maintenance of historic buildings. With Notre-Dame there is a heightened sense of the importance of the project because of its iconic status, but the heritage professionals who care for her are totally up for the challenge.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.