Château d'Ussé

This French Renaissance château is a privately owned estate open to the public, designated as a national monument. Originally established as a fortification in the eleventh century, the structure underwent significant transformations between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, with further expansions in the nineteenth century. The architecture reflects a transition from a medieval stronghold to a romantic fairytale castle.

The castle is famously recognized as the inspiration for Charles Perrault’s "Sleeping Beauty" and later influenced the design of Walt Disney’s castles. Interior displays feature scenes from the classic fairy tale. Historical figures associated with the estate include the military engineer Vauban and the writer Chateaubriand.

The grounds include formal gardens designed by the landscape architect André Le Nôtre. Situated overlooking the Indre and Loire rivers, the estate showcases a blend of architectural styles ranging from its medieval roots to refined Renaissance details.