Project ›› Château of Azay-le-Rideau

Illuminating a jewel of the French Renaissance...

The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built in the 16th century during the reign of Francis I on an island in the Indre River (Loire Valley), classified Historical Monument since 1841, now offers a bright new nighttime look that reflects “its radiance and daytime sobriety”.   

The French Center of National Monuments and lighting designer Noctabene unveil “the timelessness of a symbol” in a “new night light” leaning on “the tempestuous history and the aspirations” of the castle ; while highlighting "the intended delicacy of the building and its ornamental pond".

The lighting designer refers to a delicate enhancement "of elegance and poetry" and the "emphasis of a certain femininity", characterized by "the outlines of the castle, its curves, its finely sculptured ornamentations" which reminds us of "the sweetness and the delicacy of the features of a feminine design" just like "an eternal diamond".

To illuminate the castle of Azay-le-Rideau, 2 types of LEC products are used, including:
- 78 Luminy 4-4040 wall projectors with made-to-order 3° lens ("which are perfect" cites lighting designer Christophe Canadell). 
They are installed in small brass boxes, specifically designed for this use.   
- 32 special products fixed on a floating system specifically designed for this project.

All projectors are individually DMX controlled, which enables fine tuning for the desired lighting effect. 

Prime contractor: French Center of National Monuments
Lighting designer: Noctabene
DMX programming : Lumières Utiles
Installer: Citéos 
Photos: © David Le Tellier