Sleeping Beauty's Chateau

The term 'fairytale castle' is often used but rarely can it be literally applied. The Chateau of Ussé was the inspiration for Charles Perrault's story of the Sleeping Beauty, so it can truly be called a 'fairytale castle'. It's also a dream castle for anyone interested in the history of architecture because it transitions from the medieval to the renaissance, and then into the classical. We can start at one end of the chateau and finish at the other in chronological order. As an added bonus we will get up into the 'visible storage' (otherwise known as the attic). It's amazing what people will keep if they have the space!

Chateau of Ussé.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Fougeres sur Bievre Castle, Empty But Atmospheric

You may think that visiting an empty castle isn't much fun. But, believe me, Fougeres sur Bievre has a lot to offer. With no furniture to get in the way you can see all the details of construction. You get to look down the lavatory chute, up into the workings of the ancient clock and, if you are not worried about a bit of dust, you can lie where the medieval archers would have lain to shoot intruders. No one will stop you, and it is quite likely no one but us will be around. The chateau doesn't get many visitors and that's great for people who like to get away from the crowds and see something authentic. This is a late medieval chateau hovering between being a defensive fortress and a luxury country residence. Luckily none of the owners after about 1500 changed anything very much. And it is small enough that you can imagine yourself as a resident all those years ago. Get us to add it to your itinerary and try it! You will love it!

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.

Bling is Not Our Thing in the Loire Valley

At Loire Valley Time Travel we are all about giving travellers that authentic experience, where they can feel as if they are locals. So we encourage our travellers to visit sites they've never heard of. There are lots of lesser known chateaux that receive very few visitors -- just because they aren't full of bling and household names. These smaller chateaux are just as fascinating and have their own unique history. In some of them you will get a much better idea of how ordinary people lived rather than a curated glimpse of power and royalty.

A fairytale but little known chateau in the Loire Valley.

Likewise we don't use fancy restaurants with big name chefs. We use workers restaurants who serve simple generous traditional food. Our dining companions are locals, not tourists, and wherever possible we take a table on the terrace to enjoy the fresh air and view.

The charming terrace of a simple local restaurant.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.