Azay-le-Rideau

Yesterday, we went here. Azay-le-Rideau. The chateau was built in the 16th century, and feels a lot homier that some of the bigger ones. Unlike Chambord and Chenonceau, you get the feeling that Azay-le-Rideau was really part of a town. This is probably a function of its size and location...small(er), and you can see the town from the chateau. Its grounds are fairly modest in comparison, but it is charming. With Chenonceau I'd say elegant, Chambord I'd say stunning...but you could live in Azay-le-Rideau. It'd be the kind of place where you'd take a book out in one of the boats and float around the moat on a sunny afternoon, or play petanque on the lawn.