The Château d'Ussé was built in 1462 by Jean de Buel as a fortress. The Espinay family, chamberlains to both Louis XI and Charles VIII, bought the château and changed the walls overlooking the main courtyard to Renaissance style with dormer windows and plasters. In the 17th century the north wing was demolished to create palatial terraces. The romantic white turrets, pointed towers and chimneys inspired Charles Perrault's Sleeping Beauty. The château is still privately owned.