The Lady of Azay

The Conseil Général (the equivalent of the shire or county council) has signed a science and tourism partnership deal with the Chateau of Azay le Rideau, run by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. They have appointed Chrystelle Laurent-Rogowski as the new manager of the chateau and the Cloître de la Psalette in Tours.

 One facade of the chateau reflected in the mirror pond.

She comes from a background in both history of art and tourism and says she hopes to make the link between scientists and the general public, popularising the science behind the care and presentation of these historic sites. From Brittany originally, her previous job was as Director of Cultural Development in the Aube.

 The recreation of Philippe Lesbahy's bed in the chateau.

Her core activities will be research, conservation, curatorship, educating the public about these aspects of historic sites and disseminating her knowledge of the chateau, the cloisters and related subjects. She says that being in charge of the Chateau of Azay le Rideau means that there will be a strong tourism dimension to her job as well.

Looking out a chateau window.

This year the big project at the chateau is restoring the English style park, originally created by the Biencourt family to surround the chateau in the 19th century.