About Chateau d'Usse
Château d’Ussé is a magnificent castle located in the Indre-et-Loire département in France’s Loire Valley. The stronghold was originally fortified in the eleventh century by Norman seigneur Gueldin de Saumur, who surrounded the fort with a palisade on a high terrace. Positioned between the towns of Tours and Saumur in Rigny-Ussé, the castle overlooks the rivers Indre and Loire.
Originally built as a medieval stronghold, Château d’Ussé evolved over time to become a jewel of Renaissance architecture, later transforming into a splendid residential home during the 17th and 18th centuries. The current structure was built in the 15th century on the site of the earlier fortress, and was extensively modified in the 17th century when all defensive capabilities were definitively removed. During this renovation, the northern side of the castle was cleared away to open up the fine views across the terraced gardens, river, and countryside.
The garden was designed by André Le Nôtre, who also created the gardens at Versailles. It features ponds, fountains, citrus trees, and two Lebanon cedar trees—gifts from the Viscount of Chateaubriand who regularly stayed at the château.
Today, Château d’Ussé remains a private residence, home to the Duke of Blacas and his family who continue to maintain this enchanting place.
Did You Know?
- Château d’Ussé is often called “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle” as it inspired Charles Perrault to write his famous fairy tale.
- The castle features unique wax models dressed in period costumes throughout its rooms.
- The magnificent garden was designed by André Le Nôtre, who also created the gardens at Versailles.
Location
Type: Chateau
Status: Public
Region: Loire Valley
Location: Château d’Ussé is located at 37420 Rigny-Ussé, in the Indre-et-Loire department of France. The castle is situated on a bluff facing across the surrounding lands towards the Loire River.
Castle Gallery
Historical Timeline
Original Fortress
The stronghold was originally fortified by Norman seigneur Gueldin de Saumur, who surrounded the fort with a palisade on a high terrace overlooking the Indre River.
Current Structure Built
The current structure was built on the site of the earlier fortress. This marked the beginning of the castle's transformation from a purely defensive structure to a more comfortable residence.
Renaissance Transformation
The castle underwent extensive modifications when all defensive capabilities were definitively removed. During this renovation, the northern side of the castle was cleared away to open up the fine views across the terraced gardens, river, and countryside.
Garden Creation
The magnificent garden was designed by André Le Nôtre, who also created the gardens at Versailles. It features ponds, fountains, citrus trees, and two Lebanon cedar trees—gifts from the Viscount of Chateaubriand who regularly stayed at the château.
Literary Inspiration
The castle inspired Charles Perrault to write his famous "Sleeping Beauty" fairy tale. This connection to literature added to the castle's cultural significance and mystique.
Private Residence
Today, Château d'Ussé remains a private residence, home to the Duke of Blacas and his family who continue to maintain this enchanting place while also opening parts of it to the public.