Visiting Château d'Ussé

Which fairytale castle inspired sleeping beauty?

According to legend, Charles Perrault, the French author who wrote “Sleeping Beauty”, visited Chateau d’Usse in the 17th century. Inspired by the castle's picturesque turrets, romantic architecture, and its location overlooking the Indre River, Perrault is said to have used Chateau d'Usse as the inspiration for the castle in his version of "Sleeping Beauty," titled "La Belle au bois dormant" (The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood), published in 1697.

Additionally, the Loire Valley is renowned for its many historic chateaux and fairy-tale-like landscapes. The castle's appearance, with its elegant towers and setting amidst lush greenery, further fuels the belief that it served as the inspiration for the fairy tale castle where the princess is cursed to sleep for a hundred years.

We visited Chateau d’Usse on a rainy day in September; therefore, our images of the chateau are a little gray. The chateau is located next to the Indre River, and, in fact, the best photos can be taken from just across the river. We found Chateau d’Usse unique in both its architecture and the fact that the influence of Sleeping Beauty is all around you. There are mannequins dressed as they would have been in the fairytale. This is the perfect castle to bring your young children to. They can peer into the various rooms throughout the castle and use their imaginations to make the mannequins come to life.

Chateau d'Usse is situated in the Loire Valley of France, specifically in the commune of Rigny-Ussé, which is in the department of Indre-et-Loire. It is about two and a half hours southwest of Paris. It's about 15 kilometers southwest of the town of Chinon and approximately 40 kilometers west of Tours, which is a major city in the region. We stayed in Chinon for this part of our Loire Valley exploration. View our Loire Valley overview page for more information about our entire week in the Loire valley.

The drive from Chinon through the French countryside was pleasant and the parking lot was directly in front of the chateau. There was a small restaurant to grab a snack or a bite to eat right next to the parking area. We didn’t get to sample the food because the rain started as soon as we arrived.

This stronghold, located on the edge of the Chinon forest with sweeping views over the Indre Valley, traces its origins to the 11th century when it was established as a medieval fortress by Gueldin de Saumur, the Norman lord of Ussé. Initially surrounded by a palisade atop a high terrace, the fortress served as a strategic defensive outpost. Over time, ownership of the site passed to the Counts of Blois, who undertook significant renovations during the 15th century, reconstructing the fortress in stone. These enhancements laid the foundation for the grand chateau that stands today.

The castle's architecture is a blend of Renaissance and Gothic styles. The main façade is decorated with intricate carvings, including the salamander, which was King Francis I's emblem. The castle is surrounded by a moat and a vast forest.

Chateau d'Usse has seen various owners, residents, and periods of significance, each leaving their mark on the castle's architecture and heritage. Some notable individuals who have lived at or owned Chateau d'Usse include:

1. Le Breton family, who were seigneurs (lords) of Ussé.
2. The d'Amboise Family: In the 16th century, the chateau passed into the hands of the d'Amboise family, who made significant modifications to the structure.
3. The de la Rochejaquelein Family: During the French Revolution, the chateau was confiscated and later sold to the de la Rochejaquelein family.
4. The Blacas Family: In the 19th century, Chateau d'Usse was acquired by the Blacas family, who continued to reside there and contribute to its preservation.

The castle is still owned by the Blacas family, who have been living in the castle for over 200 years, and it has been featured in a number of films and television shows, including "The Princess Bride" and "Once Upon a Time."

Upon arrival, you can explore the chateau independently, taking your time to admire its opulent furnishings, intricate woodwork, and ornate decor. The Grand Staircase is the centerpiece of the chateau. As you explore the stately rooms where nobility once entertained guests and held lavish gatherings, you'll be struck by the beauty and elegance of the interior.

Be sure to climb the spiral staircases to explore the tower rooms, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The entire Chateau is dedicated to the castle's legendary association with the fairy tale. You'll find displays depicting scenes from the story, including mannequins dressed in period costumes throughout as you explore.

The gardens at Chateau d'Usse are as enchanting as the castle itself, offering visitors a delightful stroll through various landscaped areas. Here is a quick overview of the gardens:

1. Formal French Gardens: Adjoining the chateau, you'll find meticulously manicured formal French gardens. These gardens feature geometrically arranged flower beds, trimmed hedges, and ornamental fountains, reflecting the elegance and symmetry characteristic of French garden design.
2. Terraced Gardens: The terraced gardens offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. With tiered levels connected by winding paths, these gardens create a sense of tranquility and harmony, inviting visitors to wander and admire the scenic vistas.
3. Wooded Areas: Surrounding the formal gardens are wooded areas, adding a naturalistic touch to the landscape. Tall trees, shady groves, and meandering pathways provide a serene environment for leisurely walks and quiet contemplation.
4. Orchards and Vineyards: Beyond the formal gardens, orchards and vineyards extend into the distance, adding to the charm of the estate. Here, you can explore rows of fruit trees and grapevines, evoking the agricultural heritage of the region.

Cellars - Explore the cellars beneath the chateau, where you can discover the secrets of winemaking and delve into the castle's underground passages. These atmospheric spaces provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the castle's residents and offer a unique perspective on its history.

Dungeons - The dungeons at Chateau d'Usse offer a captivating glimpse into the castle's past and history.

Stables - The stables feature a number of horse drawn vehicles on display

Chapel - Don't miss the opportunity to visit the chapel within the chateau, where you can admire its exquisite stained glass windows & intricate carvings,

How do I get to Château de d'Ussé from Paris?

Yes, you can get to Château de d'Ussé by driving, taking a full day bus tour or taking a train from Paris;

• By Train: From Paris Montparnasse to Tours, change train in Tours to Rivarennes. From there you will need to take a taxi 3.7 miles to the chateau.
• By Car: Follow the A-10 Autoroute south from Paris through Orleans and Tours. Just south of Tours, take the A-85 west to the chateau. Here is a Google Map to help you with the details.
• By Bus tour: Either Viator or Get Your Guide will have bus tours that you can investigate.
• By Bicycle tour: There are several websites that offer bicycle tours of the Loire Valley; Discover France, Bike Tours, Biking France and others. You should do your own search to find one that fits your needs.

• Is there Parking at Chateau d’Usse?: Yes, there is free public parking in front of the Château.
• Where can I purchase Château d'Ussé Entrance Tickets: They are currently only available at the entrance to the estate. They accept credit cards or cash. Adults prices are currently €14.50 per person.
• Château d'Ussé Operating Hours: Currently 10am to 7pm, 7 days a week.
• What is the official website for Chateau d’Usse? Click here to visit their Website. New for 2024 - You can bring your headphones and download the Wivisites app to discover Chateau d’Usse.

• Wikipedia Article: Click here to view the Château d'Ussé Wikipedia Article.
• Our Image Gallery: Click here to view our Château d'Ussé Image Gallery.
• Google Image Gallery: Click here to view the Google Images set for Château d'Ussé.
• Nearby Restaurants: Several eateries are located on the D-7 route, as you drive northeast from the Château. Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for restaurants near Château de d'Ussé.
• Nearby Accommodations: Here is a link to a Google Search Results page for accommodations near Château de d'Ussé.

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations, click any blue colored link to go to that page.