Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Palaces

Château d'Ussé

Rigny-Ussé, France

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST PALACES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 64 2026
Château d'Ussé

This château with many turrets is said to have inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty, and is privately owned and maintained by the family. Visitors see furnished rooms with tapestries and paintings, Sleeping Beauty scenes in the tower, attics and ramparts, and a chapel, cellars, prison and stables, along with gardens and cedars.

Highlights

  • Sleeping Beauty tower scenes
  • Family chapel with stained glass
  • Terraced gardens and cedars

Good to know

  • Self-guided visit; audio guide via Wivisites app
  • Allow about two hours
  • Free parking in front of the château

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