Overlooking the Indre and Loire rivers, Ussé stands majestically like a fairytale castleIts history begins long before the construction of the current monument. under the impetus of Gelduin I who built the first stronghold more than a millennium ago. A new, more solid and sumptuous building was constructed from the second half of the 15th century. by Jean V de Bueil, Victorious in the Hundred Years' War and captain of King Charles VII, the elegance and refinement of the Renaissance soon further embellished the Château d'Ussé. Over the centuries, the rooms were successively decorated and richly furnished. The visit thus allows one to discover, after passing through the entrance hall, a one-of-a-kind guardroom : the splendid 17th-century trompe-l'œil ceiling imitating marble covers a fine collection of weapons and oriental objects.
Le Ussé's refinement reached its peak in the 17th-century salon.A completely renovated room bearing the evocative name of Vauban, the famous Marshal whose daughter married the Marquis de Valentinay, son of the illustrious owner of the château. Generations succeed one another while Ussé continues to be tirelessly embellished. The last modifications date from the 19th century., the period in which the Countess of La Rochejacquelin had the tops of the doors decorated, the spiral staircase installed in the entrance hall and a neo-Gothic gallery built.
The Château d'Ussé is a A monument that inspires dreams both through its architecture and its historyThe walk along the ramparts leads you into a completely different world: that of fantasy stories and fairy tales. Through beautiful displays of wax figures, everyone is immersed in the world of Sleeping Beauty. There, you'll of course see the wicked fairy Carabosse, Prince Charming, and the three benevolent fairy godmothers of Princess Aurora. a playful nod to Charles Perrault who, charmed by the castle, chose to make it the setting for his famous tale.
Le The park surrounding the Château d'Ussé is an exceptional setting. including the French-style garden designed by André Le Nôtre in 1664. In addition, the shades of the Lebanese cedars, a gift from Chateaubriand to the Duchess of Duras in the 19th century, stand alongside the stones of the Sainte-Anne d'Ussé chapel, which is also open to visitors. Built between 1535 and 1538 at the request of Charles d'Espinay and Lucrèce de Pons, it boasts a truly remarkable lintel.
Ussé is a completely private estate owned by the same family for over two centuriesThe Duke of Blacas invites visitors to explore the furnished rooms of his incredible residence and discover a new exhibition of costumes from various eras each year. From the cellars to the attics, including the King's chamber, the stables, the magnificent grand staircase, and the kitchens, this monument encourages visitors to delve into our history and rediscover the most famous tales of our literature.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit Around Chinon within which this castle is situated.
