Are you in the Indre-et-Loire region? Then be sure to visit the Château d’Ussé, a unique monument of incredible architecture!
France is famous for its exquisite cheeses and wines. But that’s not the only thing it’s famous for. The country’s historical heritage also plays a major role in its popularity. And it’s especially the monuments and historic sites, such as castles, that make a lasting impression. Some of them were even a direct source of inspiration for Walt Disney’s castles. Whether for their architecture or their unique atmosphere.
Located in the Indre-et-Loire department, in the small village of Rigny-Ussé, the Château d’Ussé is one of these inspirations. This magnificent architectural gem seems to be surrounded by an aura of enchantment. Would you like to visit the Château d’Ussé and are looking for more information about it? Then look no further! We’ve put together an essential guide to discovering this monument before you buy your Château d’Ussé tickets.
Château d’Ussé in brief
Photo credit: Shutterstock / evoPix.evolo
The history of this French bastion goes back to the 11th century. Surrounded by the Chinon forest and overlooking the Indre valley, the château was first fortified. It subsequently changed ownership several times. As a result, its features and architecture have undergone many changes. In the 15th century, for example, Louis Bernin de Valentinay d’Ussé had the north side of the bastion demolished to build a gigantic inner courtyard with incredible views.
The château was officially classified as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture in 1931. Since then, it has been possible to visit the Château d’Ussé.
Today, the famous monument belongs to the de Blacas family and their descendants.
Our tips for your visit to Château d’Ussé
Before you buy your tickets for the Château d’Ussé, it’s always a good idea to have as much information as possible. That’s why we’ve put together a short list of our top tips for visiting the Château d’Ussé.
The best time to visit Château d’Ussé
If you really want to make the most of the monument, then go and see it in summer. In fact, you can take advantage of the fine weather to visit the flower-filled exteriors.
Please note: the fairytale castle does not open its doors to tourists during the winter months. So it’s best to avoid visiting between November 11 and February 16. Unless you simply want to take photos of the monument from afar.
Length of visit
Visits to the Château d’Ussé are free of charge. So there’s no time limit. However, if you want to know how long it will take you to see everything, allow at least two hours. That way, you’ll be able to visit the Château d’Ussé in its entirety, as well as enjoying its magnificent gardens.
Catering
Unfortunately, the Château d’Ussé does not have its own restaurant. We therefore advise you to bring your own snack. If you haven’t brought your own food, you’ll find Le Clos d’Ussé just 80 metres from the parking lot. To re-enter, simply show your Château d’Ussé tickets at the entrance.
Between accounts and fairy tales
One of the best reasons to visit the castle with your family is the « Fairy Tales and Accounts » game. It plunges your little ones into an adventure where they can relive scenes from Sleeping Beauty. It’s the perfect way to imagine a whole story during this magnificent adventure.
Additional practical information
- You’ll be able to take photos and videos without a care in the world.
- Dogs are welcome on the premises, provided they are kept on a leash.
- The Château d’Ussé is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Just drive up to the entrance.
- School and group visits are welcome. However, advance notice must be given by telephone, e-mail or fax.
What can you do when you visit Château d’Ussé?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Berestetsky
Impressive for its Gothic architecture and enchanting surroundings, the Château d’Ussé has more than one marvel to offer. Surrounded by forest, this monument has many points of interest. With its rich history, sumptuous gardens and majestic interior, you’re sure to be amazed. To help you see what can be done, here are the castle’s main visits and activities.
The interior
The interior of the château is simply sumptuous. With its period furniture, parquet floors and paintings of all kinds, the decor will leave you speechless. You’ll be able to stroll through the many rooms without tiring of your visit to Château d’Ussé.
In particular, you’ll be able to see the guards’ room, featuring a trompe-l’œil painting that imitates marble perfectly. But also the Salon de Vauban, with its 16th-century Brussels tapestries and 17th-century Florentine cabinet. Of course, there are many other rooms to see. The grand staircase, the vaulted room, the central gallery, the roofs and much more will welcome you with open arms.
The dungeon
The Ussé keep is housed in an octagonal turret. To reach it, you have to cross a narrow passage with small steps. This is where the most beautiful scenes from the Sleeping Beauty tale are reproduced. You can enter the dungeon with your ticket for the Château d’Ussé.
Les Jardins
The gardens of Château d’Ussé are a marvel of geometry. In fact, everything has been calculated and placed in such a way as to create a harmonious whole. As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll come across numerous trees and plants of all kinds. These include cedars from Lebanon, orange and lemon trees. What’s more, to create an even more pleasing scene, majestic ponds and fountains can be found throughout the gardens.
How much does a ticket to the Château d’Ussé cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Steve Allen
As with many monuments, prices for visiting the Château d’Ussé vary according to age and number of visitors. Groups are entitled to additional discounts. Here are the different ticket prices for the Château d’Ussé:
- Adults, students and seniors: from €14
- Children (8 – 16 ): from €4
- Children (under 8): free
- Adult group (20 people or more): €8
- Children’s group (16 and under): €3.50
- Tour guide and driver: free
How do I book a ticket for the Château d’Ussé online?
If you’d like to plan your visit to the Château d’Ussé in advance, you can do so online. You can reserve one or more tickets for the Château d’Ussé by e-mail. What’s more, some websites offer the option of ordering your tickets before you go. Group bookings can also be made by email or telephone.
Are there guided tours of the Château d’Ussé?
Unfortunately, there are no guided tours of the Château d’Ussé with a personal guide. However, if you wish, you can buy an audio book at the entrance to the monument. This costs €3 and provides further explanations of the monument and its history.
Are there combined tours with other nearby monuments?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Richard Semik
If you’d like to take advantage of your stay to discover the treasures of the local heritage, there are several excursions available. If you opt for one of them, for example, you can visit the Château d’Ussé, as well as the Châteaux de la Loire, Azay-le-rideau, Langeais and Villandry. This type of excursion usually departs from Tours, and you can book online for a full-day visit.
Château d’Ussé opening times
You can visit the Château d’Ussé every day from 10am to 6pm from mid-February to mid-November.
From April to September, the museum is open until 7 pm. However, please note that you can buy the last tickets for the Château d’Ussé one hour before closing time.
How do I get to Château d’Ussé?
Château d’Ussé is located at the following address: Château d’Ussé, 37420 Rigny-Ussé. There are several ways to reach us, depending on your needs and possibilities.
- By car: It’s easy to get to Château d’Ussé by car. It’s just under 50 minutes’ drive from downtown Tours. You can easily reach the monument by taking the main roads.
- By train: If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can take the train if you like. In fact, you can take one as far as Langeais. However, the rest of the journey must be made by bus or cab. It will take you almost an hour from Tours.
- By bike: The Loire, or châteaux country, is the perfect opportunity for a cycling trip. It’s possible to go over the Indre bridge, from where you’ll have a sumptuous view of the Château d’Ussé. A bike rack is available in front of the entrance to the site, where you can leave your bike.
Where can I park near Château d’Ussé?
If you have a car, you’ll have no trouble parking for your visit to Château d’Ussé. The monument has its own secure parking lot. Free to visitors, it opens at the same times as the château and offers two hundred parking spaces.
Where to stay near Château d’Ussé?
Many vacation homes with very positive reviews surround Château d’Ussé. So you can easily find accommodation in the surrounding areas. However, we advise you to book in advance on the Internet via a hotel comparator. This will enable you to find the best-priced establishments to suit your needs.