Sleeping Beauty before Disney

No visit to château country is complete without a trip and tour of the Château d'Ussé. This is the original castle of Sleeping Beauty, where in 1696 Charles Perrault found his inspiration for one of his greatest and most longlasting (cf. Disney) conte de fées. It has the classic castle style - turrets, towers, gardens and a moat. The woods are suitably lush, yet mystical as they reveal a countryside that is a paradise to both cyclists and vintners.

Inside, the rooms are staged to showcase the different centuries that this majestic dwelling has seen occupants. A climb up "la Belle au Bois Dormant" tower reveals the complete tale developed in picture windows and hidden scenes. This was certainly a highlight for Sophie, and for me too. It is easy to see how Perrault was so inspired.

The gardens are a (much) smaller version of the trianon at Versailles. Judging by the number of cyclist groups we encountered on our visit, I would say that this château figures prominantly on every organized tourist circuit. And given that la Tour de France is now in full swing, I expect many bicycles to be pulled out of storage and taken out for a randonnée sur le pays de la Loire.