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Origin and history

The Château d'Ussé, located in Rigny-Ussé in Indre-et-Loire, is an emblematic building of the Loire castles, mixing medieval, Gothic and Renaissance styles. Built in 1462 by Jean V de Bueil, admiral of France, it was thoroughly remodeled in the 15th century by Antoine de Bueil and his wife Jeanne de Valois, then embellished in the 16th century by Jacques d'Espinay, chamberlain of the kings Charles VIII and Louis XII. The chapel, dedicated to Saint Anne and founded in 1521, illustrates the transition towards the Tourangelle Renaissance, with stalls carved by Jean Goujon.

In the 17th century, the Marquis Louis Bernin de Valentinay, a friend of Charles Perrault, arranged the gardens by Le Nôtre and transformed the castle into an elegant residence, opening the courtyard onto the landscape. The estate then passed into the hands of noble families, including the Durforts of Duras in the 19th century, which welcomed Chateaubriand. During the Second World War, the castle served as a refuge for works of art from the National Library and Senate, housed in the dungeon and chapel.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1927 for its unprotected parts, then in 1931 and 1951 for its facades, roofs, ditches, terraces and park, the Château d'Ussé is famous for having inspired Charles Perrault in La Belle au bois dormant. Today, it is owned by the 7th Duke of Blacas and is distinguished by its richly furnished interiors (Régence lounges, Flemish tapestries, oriental collections) and terraced gardens, reflecting five centuries of architectural and cultural history.

The interior preserves remarkable rooms such as the Guards' Hall, decorated with 19th-century Indian weapons, or the Vauban Lounge, decorated with 16th-century Brussels tapestries. The collegiate Notre Dame, with her medallions of the Apostles and her baldachin, bears witness to the piety of the Lords of Ussus. The large staircase, inspired by Italian models, exhibits objects related to the history of the castle, including an 18th century bearer chair.

The estate also includes outbuildings such as an orangery, stables and a chapel, all surrounded by a landscaped park. The castle, still inhabited, is open to the public and proposes a staging of Perrault's tales, strengthening its link with literary imagination. Its architecture, marked by round towers, machicoulis and carved skylights, makes it a unique example of the evolution of castles in residences of pleasure under the Old Regime.

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