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You Can Visit The Real Life Castle That Inspired ‘Beauty And The Beast’

You Can Visit The Real Life Castle That Inspired ‘Beauty And The Beast’

It's a Disney dream come true!

Joanna Freedman

Joanna Freedman

Disney fans, you can now go and visit the real life Beauty and the Beast castle - and it's absolutely stunning.

The Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley is so picturesque that it inspired the hit movie in 1991, and the live-action thereafter in 2017.

With huge, sweeping green gardens and a stunning 426 rooms, the building - which was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981 - caught the eye of Hollywood producers, who wanted to replicate it when they depicted the Beast's own castle.

Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley was spotted by Hollywood producers (
Chateau de Chambord)

Oscar nominated production designer Sarah Greenwood even visited the building in France before she begun building the set back in London, and is said to have taken detailed notes on both its interior and exterior so that she could get her own version just right.

The castle was originally built as a hunting lodge between 1519 and 1547, and while it inspired the Beast's digs, it was never actually intended to be a home.

The interior is equally grand (
Chateau de Chambord)

However, King Louis XV's father-in-law, Stanislas I, did eventually take residence there in the 18th century after being overthrown as the King of Poland.

If you want to go and see it for yourself, you'll obviously need to jet out to France.

If you're in the area, it's open 362 days a year, and costs just €14.50 (£12) for adults, while kids go free. Buy tickets here.

The castle in Beauty And The Beast is inspired by the French chateau (
Disney)

There's all sorts of exciting activities to enjoy when you're there, including a huge enclosed park - the largest in Europe - which is literally as big as inner Paris.

You can explore the grounds on a horse and carriage in true princess style and also watch live jousting and birds of prey exhibitions.

The castle has a huge park (
Chateau de Chambord)

And there's even a 16th century dance concert every Christmas to really get into the spirit.

If you want to take your exploration one step further, you can throw on a traditional dress and join a 20 minute concert at the Cour des Valoi, which also includes a Renaissance dance.

You'll feel exactly like Belle. Although, sadly, a handsome prince isn't included.

Featured Image Credit: Chateau de Chambord

Topics: Disney, Life, travel