Château d'Ussé: Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Discover the fairytale magic of Château d'Ussé, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, with its stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and breathtaking Loire Valley views.

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Château d'Ussé

Château d'Ussé, gracefully perched overlooking the Indre Valley, is the enchanting inspiration behind Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty. Its fairytale silhouette, a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, captivates visitors with its turrets, towers, and meticulously manicured gardens. Stepping inside is like entering a living storybook, with lavishly decorated rooms showcasing period furnishings, intricate tapestries, and wax figures depicting scenes from the beloved tale. Beyond the fairytale allure, Ussé boasts a rich history, having been home to prominent French families for centuries. The castle's chapel, Italianate gardens designed by Le Nôtre, and panoramic views of the Loire Valley add to its undeniable charm. A visit to Château d'Ussé is a journey through history, art, and the magic of childhood dreams, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Château d'Ussé

338 Château d'Usse, Rigny-Ussé, 37420, FR
+33247955405
Visit website

Monday 10 am-7 pm
Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
Thursday 10 am-7 pm
Friday 10 am-7 pm
Saturday 10 am-7 pm
Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

Visit during the shoulder season (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Allow ample time to explore both the interior of the château and the extensive gardens.
Check the official website for special events, such as falconry displays or historical reenactments.
Combine your visit with other Loire Valley châteaux for a comprehensive experience.
Consider a picnic lunch in the gardens for a relaxing and scenic break.

Getting There

Driving

If driving from nearby towns like Chinon or Azay-le-Rideau, follow the D7 towards Rigny-Ussé. The château is well-signposted. Parking is available on-site, with rates typically around €5 per day. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season.
Public Transport

While there isn't a direct train to Rigny-Ussé, you can take a train to Tours or Chinon and then a local bus or taxi. From Tours, the bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. A taxi from Chinon will cost approximately €30-€40. Check local bus schedules for accurate timings and fares, as they can vary.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in larger nearby towns like Tours and Chinon. A taxi from Chinon to Château d'Ussé will cost approximately €30-€40, and the journey takes around 20 minutes. Ride-sharing services may offer slightly lower rates, but availability can be limited in this rural area.

Discover more about Château d'Ussé

Château d'Ussé, a vision of fairytale elegance, stands majestically on the edge of the Chinon forest, overlooking the tranquil Indre Valley. Its captivating silhouette, a harmonious blend of medieval fortress and Renaissance refinement, is widely believed to have inspired Charles Perrault's timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty. More than just a pretty facade, Ussé is a living testament to centuries of French history, art, and aristocratic life. Approaching the château, visitors are immediately struck by its picturesque setting. The manicured French gardens, designed in part by André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect behind the gardens of Versailles, cascade down the hillside, creating a stunning visual tapestry of geometric patterns, vibrant flowerbeds, and meticulously sculpted hedges. The castle itself is a symphony of architectural styles, with its imposing towers, graceful turrets, and delicate dormer windows reflecting the changing tastes of its successive owners. Stepping through the castle gates is like stepping back in time. The interior is lavishly decorated with period furnishings, exquisite tapestries, and priceless works of art, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the French aristocracy. Each room tells a story, from the grand reception halls adorned with family portraits to the intimate private chambers where generations of Ussé's inhabitants lived and loved. One of the highlights of a visit to Château d'Ussé is the Sleeping Beauty exhibit, which brings Perrault's fairytale to life through a series of wax figures dressed in elaborate costumes. These lifelike figures are posed in various scenes from the story, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the magical world of princesses, fairies, and enchanted castles. The exhibit is particularly popular with children, but it also appeals to adults who appreciate the enduring power of storytelling. Beyond the fairytale allure, Château d'Ussé boasts a rich and fascinating history. The castle was originally built as a medieval fortress in the 11th century, but it was transformed into a Renaissance château in the 15th and 16th centuries by the Bueil family. Over the centuries, Ussé has been home to a succession of prominent French families, each of whom has left their mark on the castle's architecture, décor, and history. The chapel, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, is another must-see feature of Château d'Ussé. Its soaring arches, intricate stained-glass windows, and delicate sculptures create a sense of awe and reverence. The chapel is a testament to the religious faith of the castle's inhabitants and a reminder of the important role that religion played in French society. The cellars of the castle, dating back to the 15th century, offer a glimpse into the more practical aspects of life at Ussé. These cool, dark spaces were used to store wine, food, and other supplies, ensuring that the castle's inhabitants were well-provisioned throughout the year. From the castle's ramparts, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Loire Valley. The rolling hills, verdant forests, and meandering river create a stunning backdrop for the fairytale castle. It's easy to see why Charles Perrault was inspired to set his story in this enchanting location. A visit to Château d'Ussé is an unforgettable experience for all ages. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply a fan of fairytales, you're sure to be captivated by the castle's beauty, charm, and rich history. It's a place where dreams come to life and where the past and present intertwine to create a truly magical experience. To fully appreciate the beauty of the gardens, allow at least an hour to stroll through the grounds. The best time to visit is in the spring or summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Consider taking a guided tour of the castle to learn more about its history and architecture. Tours are available in several languages. Check the castle's website for special events and exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and fairytale atmosphere. Château d'Ussé is more than just a castle; it's a symbol of French history, art, and culture. It's a place where visitors can escape the everyday and immerse themselves in a world of beauty, romance, and enchantment. It's a destination that will stay with you long after you've left.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

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Château de Sonnay

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Mister Bed Chambray-les-Tours

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Montbazon Castle

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Mission Val de Loire

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Discover the thrill of problem-solving and teamwork at Escape Yourself, Tours' leading escape room center, perfect for families and friends alike.

Nids de Loire

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Discover comfort and charm at Nids de Loire, your ideal holiday apartment rental in the heart of Tours, Loire Valley, France.

Info Tours

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Portail de l'Hôtel des Trésoriers de Saint-Martin

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Maison

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Tour Places

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Station Citiz - Vieux Tours/rue Marceau

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Hôtel Goüin

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Maison des Vins de Bourgueil

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Forteresse Royale de Chinon

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Château de l'Islette

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CAVE OF COUNTRY BOURGUEIL

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Château de Langeais

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VIGNOBLE DE LA JARNOTERIE

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Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

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Château du Petit Thouars

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

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L'Heure Tranquille

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Vintage

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Victoryshop

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Plum & Co

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Gustave Concept Store

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Maison Paon

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Augustine Concept Store

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LUSH Cosmetics Tours

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Superdry Store Tours

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Ideco Store

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Château d'Ussé: Sleeping Beauty's Castle

A brief summary to Château d'Ussé

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of Château d'Ussé

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Château d'Ussé

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Château de ussé

Château de Sonnay

Mister Bed Chambray-les-Tours

Montbazon Castle

Mission Val de Loire

Escape Yourself

Nids de Loire

Info Tours

Portail de l'Hôtel des Trésoriers de Saint-Martin

Val de Loire Travel

Le Petit faucheux

Maison

Tour Places

Station Citiz - Vieux Tours/rue Marceau

Hôtel Goüin

Unmissable attractions to see

Chateau de Miniere

Maison des Vins de Bourgueil

Forteresse Royale de Chinon

Château de l'Islette

CAVE OF COUNTRY BOURGUEIL

Château de Langeais

VIGNOBLE DE LA JARNOTERIE

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Cave de la Sibylle

Château du Petit Thouars

Cave of Goupillières

Château du Rivau

Confluence de la Loire et de la Vienne

Confluence de la Loire et du Cher

Jardins de Villandry

Essential places to dine

Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte

Auberge Pom'Poire

LOIRE GOURMANDE SAS

Le Louis XIII

LA MAISON DES HALLES

O&A

Le Chien Fou

L accalmie

Case.

DAGOBERT

Le Marché Gourmand

Les Frérots restaurant

Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Tours Centre

Bouchon Tourangeau

La Plume Blanche

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Saumur Le Centre

L'Heure Tranquille

Vintage

Monsieur Chris

MV

Victoryshop

Plum & Co

miraculeuse

Gustave Concept Store

Maison Paon

Image In Tours

Augustine Concept Store

LUSH Cosmetics Tours

Superdry Store Tours

Ideco Store

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Oxford Pub

La P'tite Maiz' - Le Bar

Le Serpent Volant