Château de l'Islette, Renaissance castle in Azay-le-Rideau, France.
Château de l'Islette is a Renaissance castle situated on an island between two branches of the Indre River, distinguished by its pale limestone facades and turreted design. The property features a rectangular central section topped with machicolations and occupies a low-lying position within the river landscape.
The castle was built around 1530 as a Renaissance structure along the Loire Valley. It gained prominence in the 1890s when two major sculptors visited and worked during a period of artistic collaboration.
The castle displays a bronze reproduction of La Petite Châtelaine, a sculpture Camille Claudel created during her time spent at this property. This artwork serves as a tangible reminder of the artist's creative presence within these walls.
The property allows visitors to explore inhabited rooms and provides the opportunity to rent rowing boats for river outings. The grounds extend along the riverbank with areas for relaxation that vary in accessibility throughout the year.
The castle merges historical preservation with private residence, as the current owners share their inhabited spaces with guests. This uncommon arrangement offers glimpses into everyday life within a monument.
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