Over time, the castle lost its military role and became an elegant residence.
The Espinay family bought the castle in the 15th century and carried out alterations in the Italian Renaissance style.
It remained their home for two centuries.
It was during the time of the Valentinay family that Perrault and Voltaire came to Usse as guests.
The mannequins change outfits each year to show how fashion changed during the course of the century.
The Sleeping Beauty connection has not been lost.
In specially decorated rooms some of the main scenes from the fairy tale are enacted.
Photo credit:Manfred Heyde/Wikimedia
A scene from Charles Perrault’sSleeping Beauty.
Photo credit:Tango7174/Wikimedia
Photo credit:www.chateaudusse.fr
Sources:www.chateaudusse.fr/WikipediaviaSmithsonian
