Centre-Val de Loire · Indre-et-Loire, France

Château d'Ussé

The white, many-turreted château on the edge of the Chinon forest traditionally said to have inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty. Still privately owned and lived in by the family of the Duc de Blacas, it stages the fairy tale in its towers each season.

At a glance

Built: 15th–17th centuries
Style: Late Gothic to classical, famously turreted
Commissioned by: Jean V de Bueil; Espinay family and successors
Signature feature: The bristling white silhouette of turrets against the Chinon forest
Literary claim: Traditional inspiration for Perrault's La Belle au bois dormant
Gardens: Terraces attributed to plans in the manner of Le Nôtre, with orangery
Ownership: Privately owned and inhabited (family of the Duc de Blacas)
Visiting: Open to visitors (seasonal, closed midwinter)