The château of
Azay-le-Rideau is one of the earliest of the Italianate style Renaissance châteaux of the Loire. Even on a wet winter's day, when the museum staff are on strike and the château is closed, it's worth stopping by. You can stand in front of the gate and look through at the beautiful central staircase and the fairytale exterior. It's been a while since we had any roof photos, and I found myself quite unable to resist such a lavishly appointed example.
A first glimpse through the yews and giant conifers.
Full frontal, taken through the railings
A wonderfully ornate finial
The decorative treatment of the roof is just gorgeous - I'm a real sucker for this combination of subtle geometric repeat patterning adorned with rich and detailed surface decoration.
Susan
4 comments:
MERRY XMAS and des fêtes joyeux et bien chaufées!
Finials are called épis or 'wheatears' which is nice and agricultural.
You bring back memories of our visit to this wonderful Chateau last June.
Very best wishes during the festive season.
Sue and Leon
If you like pointed and intricate Renaissance roofs [probably rooves at the time], you should google.fr the chateaux d'O and Fontaine-Henry in Normandy. The're really steep. And almost as high as the buildings they're covering, if not higher.
Word verification is "spinetr". You can almost hear them echoing in those Renaissance castles
Merry upside down Christmas to you!! our chopping is done!
See y'all
Nick
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