You are standing at a castle that began as a medieval fortress and was later reshaped into an elegant home, which is why it looks both strong and graceful at the same time. Charles Perrault is said to have drawn on this place for Sleeping Beauty, and the clue is right in front of you: the tall towers, the keep, and the terraced gardens looking out over the Indre valley. If you go inside, the rooms and the fairytale displays help you see how a real working stronghold became a place for nobles to live and entertain guests. One good thing to notice is the parapet walk and the tower interiors, because they show the layered defenses and how the turrets were built. For your family, the visit is simple: adults pay €14.50 and Melek pays €7.50, and in summer it opens from 10:00 to 19:00, so comfortable shoes help on the stairs and uneven stone floors.
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Château d'Ussé
Look up at those towers. This is Château d’Ussé, the castle people point to when they talk about Sleeping Beauty, and it really does feel like a storybook place made from stone.
Stand outside · play the audio first, then read on.
Why this place matters
What it looks like
Nearby eat & drink
Lunch
Sit-down lunch spots
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Le Clos d'Ussé
8 min walkBright, understated rooms in a relaxed hotel featuring a casual restaurant & a terrace.
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La Belle d'Ussé
10 min walk
Dinner
Where to land in the evening
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Le Clos d'Ussé
8 min walkBright, understated rooms in a relaxed hotel featuring a casual restaurant & a terrace.
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La Belle d'Ussé
10 min walk
Quick grab
Fast food & takeaway for when you just need something fast
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Chez Dom
320 min walk -
Fuego
35 min walk
Searched, none found within range: Specialty coffee · Coffee & bakery · Familiar chains / fast food. The nearest fast food is likely in the closest town.