2. Chateau d’Ussé
Chateau d’Ussé is particularly worthy of the fairy tale description because legend has it this actually served as the setting inspiration for Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. In homage to that literary heritage, the attic of Ussé is decorated in a princess motif complete with fairy friends watching over her – a must-see if you have kids. Antique toys and furniture help give it a 16th century charm and its picturesque turrets make this one of the prettiest of the Loire Valley castles. Don’t forget to sample some of the delicious bubbly that is produced at the castle vineyard.
