5 Real Places That Inspired Disney Movies


1. Château de Chambord, France

    This castle was modeled after quite the elegant abode. This stunning château in central France is characterized by its distinctive French Renaissance architecture.

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Movie: Beauty and the Beast

    After a spell is cast on this Baroque-style castle, it becomes a dark and mysterious place—until Belle breaks the curse

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2. Alsace, France

    Belles hometown features many architectural details reminiscent of the northeastern region of France. The movie offers small hints of Alsace culture aswell.

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Movie: Beauty and the Beast

    Belle lives in a peaceful, secluded village filled with charming local vendors, such as a flower shop and a book store.

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3. St. Louis Cathedral, Louisiana

    As a nod to New Orleans, the wedding location resembles St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States.

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Movie: The Princess and the Frog

    When Tiana and Prince Naveen tie the knot, they do so at the most beautiful place imagineable.

4. Mont Saint-Michel, France

    According to Disney art designer Laurent Ben-Mimoun, the movie took literal inspiration from Mont Saint-Mitchel to create a renaissance castle on an island that emulates the peinture galante style.

Movie: Tangled

    Rapunzel was born in Corona, an island topped by a towering castle and surrounded by the sea.

5. Eilean Donan Castle

    Brave may be a fairytale, but the places that inspired Disney are very real. This iconic castle overlooks the sea on one side and rolling Scottish highlands on the other—just like DunBroch.

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Movie: Brave

    Located in the Scottish Highlands, Princess Merida resides in this stunning fortress with her royal family during the Medieval period.

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