Chateau d'Usse & Azay-le-Rideau

Today, we toured some chateaus in the area. You can get to these by bicycle or by car. They're hard to get to by public transportation.

Chateau d'Usse is 14 km from Chinon. It's privately owned and was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle. We did not tour the inside but here's some information on what the tour is like: http://www.chateaudusse.fr/visites/le-chateau/?lang=en

Admission is €14.

Azay le Rideau is 18 km from Chateau d'Usse. We bought our tickets at the TI in Chinon and got a discount--€6.10 (compared to €10.50 at the door).

The centerpiece of the chateau is the Salon de Biencourt. The Marquis of Biencourt purchased the chateau in 1791.

La Chambre de Roi (the King's Chamber)--lords were obliged to feed and lodge the king on his travels around his kingdom. This room was designated to accommodate the king.

Surprisingly, the dining room wasn't impressive.

You can judge for yourself if the place setting is worthy of royalty.

The chateau is built on an island between 2 branches of the River Indre. It's hard to appreciate the island feel

unless you get an aerial shot.

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