Chateau d'Usse in the Loire Valley

Like many of the other Valley chateaux, Usse was built on the foundations of a small fortress but has had a very tranquil history. Perhaps its location at the edge of the forest of Chinon has something to do with this.The castle of Usse was built for the Buiel family in the second half of the 15th century. The family had distinguished itself in the 'Hundred Years War' and was seeking a home befitting there new rank in society. The family did not stay long however for Antoine De Buiel, the husband of Louis VI daughter, sold the castle in 1485 to Charles who set about making many improvements and is known for having the famous chapel built on the grounds. They served as chamberlains to many of the royalty and kings of their time. This castle has changed hands many times over the years. 1885 the Count de Blacas bought the chateau and his descendants still live and make a home there today. The Marquis de Blacas who is the grandson of the man who began the Egyptian Department at the Louvre, currently resides there.

Usse is well furnished with the various pieces of furniture, bought from the best cabinet-makers of the XVIII century and many  fine tapestries making it still one of the best furnished in the area. During your visit you will find some spooky mannequins in period costume strategically placed around the chateau in a failed attempt to bring it to life.

Due to its fairytale appearance, it is believed that Perrault wrote his famous story, “Sleeping Beauty” based on Usse . Of the structure Perrault wrote, "Chateau de la Belle au bois dormant". This is one of eleven fairytales he wrote in a collection called, 'Les de ma mere l’ Oye.' The Chateau’s battlement tower is surrounded with glassed-in rooms showing wax figures in scenes from the "The sleeping beauty". It might seem a bit 'tacky' to the purists but the younger kids will like it!

The chapel, dedicated to St.Anne d' Usse, which is tucked away in the gardens, contains items from the 15th & 17th centuries and has been given the same architectural attention to detail as the chateau.

both inside and out.

The terraced gardens of chateau d'Usse were designed by 'Le Notre' of Versailles fame and are very pleasant and easy to walk round.

You'll probably be drawn to this chateau like many others before you by its picturesque setting and colourful stories which attach themselves to it but you might just come away a bit disappointed. Its out of the way setting,the fact that it is in fact only partly open to the public, (as little as 25%) and its relatively pricey entrance fee make it lower down on the 'must see' list of the Loire Valley chateau but then again there's Sleeping Beauty !

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"Author: Jim Craig"