With its fairy tale turrets dreamily reflected in the surrounding water of the river Indre, Azay-le-Rideau is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and elegant Renaisance chateau in the Loire valley -- an area that has more than its fair share of beautiful chateaux.
   The present chateau arose from the ashes of the original castle and was built in the early 16th century by Gilles Berthelot, financier to Francois I during the early years of his reign.
   Best viewed from across the river, the chateau, which is partly built on piles sunk into the riverbed, seems to float on the water. It is said to have been the favourite of the great French writer, Honore de Balzac, who drew much of the inspiration for his novels from the Loire Valley. He refers to Azay-le-Rideau as a 'diamond cut in facets' and 'a polished diamond framed by the Indre.' And one cannot but agree, for it is truly a gem of Rennaissance architecture.