Châtillon Ussel Castle

Ussel Castle is one of the most fascinating and best preserved castles in the Aosta Valley.
It is located in Châtillon, in a strategic position overlooking the Dora Baltea plain and the entrance to Valtournenche.
Built in the 14th century by Hebalo II of Challant, the castle is an example of feudal military architecture of the monobloc type, that is, consisting of a single massive and compact structure.   The architecture of Ussel Castle It looks like an imposing stone parallelepiped, about 20 meters high and with an area of about 500 square meters.
The main side faces south and houses the main entrance, decorated with mullioned windows and surmounted by two cylindrical turrets.
Three square towers rise on the north side, the central one taller than the other two.
The castle is surrounded by a moat dug into the rock.
Inside the castle you can admire the original rooms from medieval times, such as the throne room, chapel, bedrooms, kitchens and dungeons.
Among the most distinctive features are the monumental stone fireplaces, the blind arches decorating the walls and the cross vaults supporting the ceilings.
How to visit Ussel Castle Ussel Castle is open to the public only during the summer period from June to September.   To reach the castle you can exit the A5 highway at Châtillon-Saint-Vincent and follow the signs for Ussel.
The castle is about 3 km from the village center.
You can park near the parish church and walk for about 10 minutes along an uphill path.
For those who enjoy horseback riding, there is also the possibility of visiting the castle and its surroundings by riding magnificent horses .
This is about a two-and-a-half-hour ride, suitable for all levels of experience, with the guidance of a qualified instructor.