Nestled on the edge of the Chinon forest and overlooking the banks of the River Indre, in the French commune of Rigny-Ussé, is the 15th century castle Château d'Ussé. The chateau was originally built in the 11th century as a fortress, but developed over time to become a jewel of Renaissance architecture, then later became a splendid residential home.
Château d'Ussé has received many famous guests within its walls, such as Voltaire, Chateaubriand, and Charles Perrault, the French author who invented modern fairy tales. Perrault’s stay at the Château d'Ussé was notable, for it was the castle —as legend has it— that inspired Perrault to write the fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty.”
The original castle was built of stone and wood by the fearsome Viking warrior Gelduin I, around year 1,000 AD. Over time, the castle lost its military role and became an elegant residence. The Espinay family bought the castle in the 15th century and carried out alterations in the Italian Renaissance style. It remained their home for two centuries. In the 17th century, the château became the property of Louis Bernin de Valentinay, who modernized and embellished the residence, and also established a 600 hectare garden designed by the famous landscape architect of Versailles, Le Nôtre. It was during the time of the Valentinay family that Perrault and Voltaire came to Ussé as guests. It is said that Perrault was mesmerized by the ivy covered castle that appeared to loom magically out of the trees of the Chinon forest.
Château d'Ussé has received many famous guests within its walls, such as Voltaire, Chateaubriand, and Charles Perrault, the French author who invented modern fairy tales. Perrault’s stay at the Château d'Ussé was notable, for it was the castle —as legend has it— that inspired Perrault to write the fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty.”
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