The Château de Valençay was acquired by Robert II d’Estampes and features Renaissance and classical architecture. Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a minister of Napoleon and a great French diplomat, contributed to the renovation of the castle.
Valençay is a very beautiful château, perfectly furnished in Renaissance style. Besides the pleasant and well-commented interior visit thanks to the audio guide, the park remains the highlight of this château.
A French formal garden, a forest where you will discover huge bat caves (closed to the public), a mini farm for children (goats, sheep…), a maze, and a deer park… With 53 hectares, make sure to wear good shoes or treat yourself by renting a small electric car: 15 euros for 45 minutes, which is more than enough to leisurely tour the entire estate.
Unlike its perhaps more famous neighbors like Cheverny or Chambord, this château offers a more intimate visit with fewer crowds, yet it has nothing to envy from its neighbors. There is no restaurant inside, but picnics are allowed, and in summer you will find a food truck right in front of the ticket office. If you prefer to dine in town, the château is just a few minutes’ walk from the city center. A château not to be missed, as the visit is truly beautiful.
For motorhomes, there is a dedicated parking area behind the tourist office, a few minutes’ walk from the château. Very convenient, this parking area also offers services for 2 euros with card payment—finally, a smart area without those pesky tokens!
