Ussé Castle: View looking up into Renaissance courtyard

Until the 15th-century Valois rulers reconsolidated the power of the central monarchy, and the relaxation of the defensive character of the French fort proceeded at an irregular pace to the Flamboyant-style château, with its large windows, elegant tracery, open and elaborate staircases, high and diversified roof line and varied masses of corps de logis and pavilions reflecting the old enceinte of walls punctuated with bastions. Château d'Ussé is an outstanding example. In the seventeenth century Louis I de Valentinay, comptroller of the royal household, demolished the north range of buildings in order to open the interior court to the spectacular view over the parterre terrace, to a design ascribed to André Le Nôtre. It is classified as a monument historique since 1931.