La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant

Description of the La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant

As you enter the castle, ascend the winding staircase to the splendid gallery on the first floor and feel the magic come to life. Here, amidst ancient arches and grand halls, the story of Princess Aurora unfolds before you. With each step, you are drawn deeper into a world of royal splendour and enchantment, where every detail is steeped in age-old legends and fairytale lore. The gallery invites you into a realm where the lines between reality and dreams blur, offering you a moment to become part of an unforgettable adventure.

Tapestries at La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant

The fabric tapestries bring the magical story of Sleeping Beauty to life. Each one, meticulously woven in the French village of Aubusson, serves as a living illustration of the fairytale. The rich fabrics, intricate patterns, and vibrant colours transport you into a world of ancient castles and royal legends, capturing the essence of the story in every thread.

Glass Art at La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant 

La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant showcases stained-glass masterpieces that depict pivotal moments in Princess Aurora's life. These works of art, crafted with exceptional skill, do more than adorn the castle's walls; they draw guests into a fairytale world where light and colour convey the magic and grandeur of the legend. The stained-glass compositions include:

• The Castle Window: A majestic view of the castle, symbolizing the magical world and serving as an iconic image of Disneyland Paris.
• Aurora and Her Woodland Friends: A scene where Aurora is surrounded by forest animals like squirrels, owls, and rabbits, highlighting her deep connection with nature.
• The Good Fairies: The moment when the three fairies bestow their magical gifts upon Aurora, protecting her from Maleficent’s dark curse.
• The Royal Ball: A grand celebration organized in honour of Aurora’s birth, reflecting the event's significance and splendour within the kingdom.
• Aurora's Awakening: The story’s climactic moment, where Prince Phillip awakens Aurora from her long slumber with a kiss.
• The Royal Wedding: Depicting the happy ending—Aurora and Phillip’s wedding, symbolizing the triumph of good and love.

Fun Facts

• On the upper level of the castle, visitors can hear the “snoring” of knightly armour—a tribute to the scene in the animated film where the knights were enchanted and fell asleep alongside Aurora.
• One of the oval windows in the main hall is particularly unique, showcasing two changing scenes thanks to polarized light. In one, the fairies gift Aurora a rose, symbolizing her beauty, and in the other, two doves appear, representing her voice and song.
• Attentive visitors might spot a small statue of Diablo, Maleficent's loyal raven. If photographed with a flash, the raven's eyes glow red, adding an eerie effect to the image.
• As sunlight streams through the glass, it breathes life into the colours and images, creating an illusion of movement and transforming the static scenes into living moments from the fairytale.

Helpful Hints

• The ideal route: After ascending the staircase to the gallery, turn left and move clockwise to ensure you don’t miss a single window and fully immerse yourself in the story. Don’t forget to pause at the balcony for a breathtaking view of Fantasyland before descending the spiral staircase.
• Accessibility: If you require assistance with mobility, take the elevator located at the back of the Merlin l'Enchanteur boutique to reach the gallery on the first floor of the castle.
• Secret window: Pay close attention to the oval window in the main hall. It's unique because the images on it shift—one moment revealing a rose, symbolizing beauty, and the next, two doves representing song. This magical transformation is created through polarized light.