I'll just quote from the Cadogan Loire guidebook: (from the château) "It's only a short walk to the village church of Saint-Symphorien, with its extraordinary Romanesque façade. Three sets of diminutive statues stand in niches like worn stone dolls."
"Nobody knows exactly when these figures were made or whether they were meant as part of this church. Around them, crisscrossed and diagonal stonework adds to the curiosity of the church front," the Cadogan says.
Although I've been to Azay on multiple occasions - in fact, it was the first Loire Valley castle I visited (in 1984) - I've never seen this church. Is it near the castle grounds?
ReplyDeleteMartine, it's a two-minute walk from the château. Right across the river Indre, actually. I really enjoyed walking around the town when it was empty of crowds of tourists.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, that is always a good time .. when you have places to yourself to enjoy. I am still in awe of the people who built these wonderful buildings that are still standing all the years later and they all have their own beauty..
DeleteMore tips for those who build things in other countries :)
I really want to go to Azay-le-Rideau. I'm not sure if we can fit it into our travels, and that is frustrating :(
ReplyDeleteThe château, which is Azay's main draw, is undergoing major renovations. Half of the building is hidden behind scaffolding and dropcloths. I'm not sure when the work is scheduled to be completed.
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