Are you in the Indre-et-Loire region? So, don’t miss visiting the Château d’Ussé, a unique monument to incredible architecture!
France is known for its cheeses and exquisite wines. Nevertheless, it is not the only thing that makes its fame. The country's historical heritage also plays a major role in its popularity. And it is above all historical monuments and places, such as castles, that mark the spirits. In addition, some of them have even been a direct source of inspiration for Walt Disney castles. Whether for their architecture or their unique atmosphere.
Within the department of Indre-et-Loire in the small village Rigny-Ussé, the Château d’Ussé is part of these inspirations. This magnificent jewel of architecture seems to be surrounded by a fairytale aura. Do you want to visit Ussé Castle and are looking for additional information about it? So don't look anymore! We have prepared a small guide to discover this monument before buying your tickets for the Château d’Ussé.
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The castle of Ussé in a few words
Photo credit: Shutterstock / evoPix.evolo
The history of French bastion dates back to the 11th century. Surrounded by the Chinon Forest and overlooking the Indre Valley, the castle was first fortified. Later, he changed ownership, and this on several occasions. Its characteristics and architecture have therefore been repeatedly modified. In particular, during the 15th century, where Louis Bernin from Valentinay d’Ussé demolished the north side of the bastion to build a gigantic inner courtyard to the incredible view.
Since then, the castle was officially classified as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture in 1931. From then on, it was possible to visit the castle of Ussé.
Today, the famous monument belongs to the Blacas family and his descendants.
Our tips to visit the castle of Ussé
Before buying your tickets for the Château d’Ussé, it is always good to have a maximum of information. Therefore, we decided to make you a small list with our best tips to visit the castle of Ussé.
The best time to visit the castle of Ussé
If you really want to enjoy the monument to the maximum, then go see it in summer. Indeed, you can enjoy the beautiful weather to visit the flowers outside.
Note : the fairy-like castle does not open its doors to tourists during the winter. Therefore, it is best to avoid the visit of the latter between 11 November and 16 February. Unless you just want to take pictures of the monument from a distance.
The duration of a visit
The visit of the castle of Ussé is organized freely. Therefore, no time limit is required. Nevertheless, if you want to know how long you need to see everything, then count at least two hours . Thus, you can visit the castle of Ussé entirely, but also enjoy its beautiful gardens.
The restoration
Unfortunately, Ussé Castle does not have a restaurant in its enclosure. Therefore, it is advisable to take your own snack with you. If you did not take what to restore, you will find the Clos d’Ussé 80 meters from the parking lot. To return again, simply show your tickets to Ussé Castle at the entrance.
Between accounts and fairy tale
One of the reasons to visit the castle with family is the « Between accounts and fairy tale » game . This one plunges your little ones into an adventure where they can relive the scenes of Belle au Bois dormant. What to imagine is a whole story during this wonderful adventure.
Some additional practical information
- You can make some pictures and videos No worries.
- ♪ dogs are accepted on the premises, provided they are kept on a leash.
- The castle of Ussé is accessible to persons with reduced mobility. Just drive to the entrance.
- ♪ School visits and groups are welcome. However, it will be necessary to notify in advance by telephone, email or fax.
What to do during your visit to Ussé Castle?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Berestetsky
Impressive by its Gothic architecture and its fairytale environment, the castle of Ussé has more than one wonder to make you discover. Indeed, this monument surrounded by forests has many points of interest. Rich history, sumptuous gardens or majestic interiors, you will undoubtedly be amazed. To help you see what can be done, here are the main visits and activities of the castle.
The inside
The inside of the castle is simply sumptuous. An antique furniture, antique floors and paintings of all kinds, the decoration will leave you without a voice. You can browse the many rooms without getting tired while you are visiting the castle of Ussé.
In particular, you can see the guard room where there is a misleading-eye painting perfectly imitating the marble. But also the Vauban lounge, its 16th-century Brussels tapestries and its 17th-century Florentine cabinet. Of course, you will have many other pieces to see. The large staircase, the vaulted room, the central gallery, the roofs and much more will welcome you with pleasure.
The dungeon
The dungeon of Ussé is in an octagonal turret. To get to this one, you have to cross a narrow passage with small steps. It is in this part that the most beautiful scenes of the story of Belle au Bois dormant are reproduced. You can access the dungeon with your tickets to Ussé Castle.
The Gardens
The gardens of Ussé Castle are a wonder of geometry. Indeed, everything is calculated and placed so as to make the whole harmonious. During your walk you will find many trees and plants of all kinds. In particular, you can observe cedars from Lebanon, but also orange trees and lemongrass. In addition, to create an even more pleasant scene, majestic ponds and fountains stand everywhere in the gardens.
How much does a ticket cost to Ussé Castle?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Steve Allen
The rates to visit Ussé Castle vary depending on age, as for many monuments, and the number of people. Indeed, groups will be entitled to additional reductions. Here are the different rates to buy tickets for the Château d’Ussé:
- Adults, Students and Seniors : from 14 €
- Children (8 - 16 years old) : from 4 €
- Children (less than 8 years) : free
- Adult Group (of 20 people and more) : 8 €
- Group of children (16 and under) : 3,50 €
- Coach and driver : free
How do I book an online ticket for Ussé Castle?
If you want to plan your visit to the Château d’Ussé in advance, then it is possible to do so online. Indeed, you can book one or more tickets for the Château d’Ussé by email. In addition, some websites offer the possibility to order your tickets before leaving. Note that you can also make group reservations by email or phone.
Are there guided tours of Ussé Castle?
Unfortunately, there is no guided tour of Ussé Castle with a personal guide. However, if you wish, you can buy a Are there visits combined with other monuments around the world?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Richard Semik
If you want to enjoy your stay to discover the treasures of the local heritage, know that there are several excursions. By opting for one of them, you can, for example, visit the castle of Ussé as well as the castles of the Loire, Azay-le-rideau, Langeais and Villandry . This type of trip is usually made from Tours, you can book online and count a day’s visit.
Opening hours of the Château d’Ussé
You can visit the castle of Ussé daily from 10am to 6pm mid-February to mid-November.
From April to September, the museum opens until 7 p.m. Nevertheless, note that you can buy the last tickets for Ussé Castle one hour before the closure.
How to go to Ussé Castle?
The Château d’Ussé is at the following address: Château d’Ussé, 37420 Rigny-Ussé. To reach it, you will have several choices, depending on your needs and possibilities.
- By car : It is very simple to travel by car to visit the castle of Ussé. Indeed, it is just under 50 minutes' drive from downtown Tours. You can easily get to the monument by taking the main roads.
- By train : If you don’t have a personal vehicle, then you can take the train if you want. Indeed, you can take one that goes to Langeais. However, the suite must be by bus or taxi. Count almost an hour in total from Tours.
- Bike : The Loire, or the country of the castles, represents the perfect opportunity for cycling. It is possible to pass through the bridge of the Indre, from which you will have a sumptuous view of the castle of Ussé. A bike rack is available in front of the entrance to leave yours.
Where to park near Ussé Castle?
If you have a vehicle, know that you will have no trouble parking yourself to visit the castle of Ussé. Indeed, the monument has its own secure parking . Free for visitors, it opens according to the same hours as the castle and offers two-cent parking spaces.
Where to stay near Ussé Castle?
Many holiday homes with very positive reviews surround the castle of Ussé. So you can easily find what to stay in the surrounding neighborhoods. However, we advise you to book in advance on the internet via Compare hotels . This will allow you to find the establishments at the best price, depending on your needs.
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