Discovering the Loire Valley? Visit Château de Valençay!
A jewel among castles, it's a must-see. A mecca for architecture, music, cuisine and landscape design, the château embodies the French art of living. We walked in the footsteps of the famous Prince de Talleyrand, the great politician of the 19th century, and were taken behind the scenes of history. Immerse yourself in this world of intrigue and splendor by reading our article!
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Château de Valençay?
Is the castle worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, it's worth a look! A true immersion in château life, the visit also transported us into French history. As we wandered through the luxurious salons and sumptuous rooms, we discovered the daily life of Talleyrand (1754-1838), Napoleon's former Minister of Foreign Affairs. Lush and artistic, the park and gardens also had a few surprises in store for us. Like us, you'll be captivated by the magnificence of the Valençay estate, home to one of the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley!
Why is Château de Valençay famous?
The château owes its renown to a man who left his mark on French history, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord. Our visit was an opportunity to rediscover this great historical figure! Acquiring the estate in the early 19th century, the famous diplomat imbued the château with his influence, making this unique place a cultural and political center.
A secret depository for the Louvre Museum, the Château de Valençay is also known for having hidden masterpieces during the Second World War. Just imagine that the famous ancient statues of the Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo, as well as the Crown Jewels, were concealed here! Here, the museum's official website.
Distinguished by its wealth and refinement, the château is also renowned for its beauty. Like us, you'll be amazed! Listed as a Monument Historique between 1992 and 2013, the estate is a landmark of French heritage.
Our favorite moments
The Château de Valençay has a lot to offer. Here's what we liked best:
- The King of Spain's bedroom: home to splendid furnishings and objects, this room is a symbol of the finesse and elegance so dear to Prince de Talleyrand. We were impressed!
- The dining room: once the centerpiece of château life, the dining room takes us back to the French art of living and eating.
- The ballroom in the heart of the park: we strolled through the woods and discovered one of its mysteries, a natural ballroom whose flowery floor was trodden by the dances of captive princes!
History in brief
The history of the château can be seen throughout the estate, from the walls of the dwelling to the park and gardens.
- Middle Ages: At the end of the 10th century, a large keep was built. In the 13th century, the building was enlarged into a feudal castle. All that remains of this medieval construction is the castle's lower hall. Don't hesitate to visit it and plunge into the building's past!
- Renaissance: In 1451, the manor is bought by the d'Estampes family. Influenced by the Renaissance style, the family transformed the château over time. The north tower, entrance pavilion and two wings were built. We admired them during our visit.
- Classicism: The buildings surrounding the Cour d'Honneur were completed during the reign of Louis XIV. In the early 18th century, the château was sold to Philippe-Charles de Villemorien, who renovated it.
- 19th century: In 1803, Talleyrand acquired the estate and undertook its restoration. From 1808 to 1813, it housed the Spanish princes held prisoner by Napoleon. We learned a lot of stories about it!
- 20th and 21st centuries: In 1939, the château became one of the country's secret art repositories. In 1952, the penultimate Duc de Talleyrand passed on the estate to his son-in-law, who in turn bequeathed it to an association of the Indre department and the town of Valençay.
WHERE TO STAY IN Blois
Downtown
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Fleur de Loire Hotel - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Château des Basses Roches - prices, pictures and availability
In the southern countryside: Chambord, Chevery
Surrounded by castles and charming villages, less than 30 minutes from Blois
- Hotel Relais de Chambord - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Sources de Cheverny - prices, pictures and availability
In the northern countryside
For a little peace and quiet, but close to the city. Fewer castles.
- Hotel Le Grand Cèdre - prices, pictures and availability
Access and map: Château de Valençay, Centre-Val de Loire
Where is the castle?
- In the town of Valençay
- Driving time from Vierzon: 45min
- Driving time from Blois: 1h
- Driving time from Bourges and Tours: 1h15
- Driving time from Orléans: 1h35
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there?
The château is easily accessible by car. It is served by the A20, A71 and A85 freeways and the D976 and D956 departmental roads. If you've decided to visit several tourist attractions in the area, a car is still one of the most comfortable ways to get around. Are you looking for a 3-day itinerary to discover the châteaux of the Loire Valley? Take a look at our article on the subject.
Do you have more time and want to enjoy the scenery? The small town of Valençay is also accessible by train. Depending on your departure city, you'll need to change to Gievres or Romorantin-Lanthenay. From Tours or Orléans, the journey takes over 3 hours. Valençay station is a 15-minute walk from the château. Want to travel the Loire by train? Discover the itinerary we've put together for you.
Cycling is finally a fun alternative! Although located in the Berry region, Valençay castle is on the Loire Valley cycle route. Our tips on the subject here.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking
The château does not have its own parking lot, but free parking is available close to the entrance to the estate. A hundred meters away is the tourist office parking lot. Parking is also available on Avenue de la Résistance and along Route de Loche. If you're on a bike, everything is taken care of. A bicycle garage is located next to the ticket office. The location seemed ideal!
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating...
Best time to visit
Château de Valençay is open all year round. More popular in summer and during the school vacations, the estate attracts more visitors in fine weather. Are you planning a visit during these periods? We suggest you plan your visit in the morning on a weekday.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow between 1h30 and 2 hours to visit the château, its magnificent gardens and large park. To explore this area full of surprises, it's worth taking your time!
The château is accessible to people with reduced mobility or disabilities. A number of facilities have been put in place:
- Reserved spaces in outdoor parking lots
- Access ramp to château entrance for ground-floor tour
- Theater access for guided tours and shows
- Lounge seating in most castle rooms, gardens and grounds
- Suitable sanitary facilities
- Dogs for disabled persons accepted
- Introduction of a reduced rate
Advice on how to visit
After a stop at the ticket office, equipped with our free audioguide, we crossed the large round garden towards the château. Apart from guided tours, visits are free. Captivated by the imposing silhouette of the main building, we first chose to admire the château's exterior architecture. Our eyes filled with scrolls and sculpted motifs, we then entered the monument's sumptuous interiors. We plunged into the luxurious, aristocratic world of Prince de Talleyrand. Like us, you'll be as impressed by the distinction of the château's salons and rooms as by the creativity of the works of art on display.
Back in the beautiful Berry sunshine, we set off to conquer the gardens and park. The geometry of the French garden appealed to us, as did the bold landscaping of the Duchess Garden and the Grande Perspective. Happy to continue our tour in an electric buggy, we then drove around the park following the free instructions for the Forêt des Princes trail. Crossing deer and farm animals, we went deeper into the woods and ended our exploration with the discovery of caves and a magical natural ballroom! Once the tour is over, venture into Valençay town center, and stop off at Talleyrand's tomb. It's just a 10-minute walk from the castle.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
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Visiting with children
Travelling with the family? We recommend the Château de Valençay. It's great fun to visit with children! To help them discover the estate in a playful way, there's plenty for the youngest visitors to do:
- Free French audio guides for 7-13 year-olds
- Game books in French for ages 4-6 and 7-12
- The scent game in Antonin's garden
- A playground in the park
- A treasure hunt in Napoleon's Great Labyrinth
- A tour of the castle's small animal farm
- An annual egg hunt (more information here)
- A picnic area
- A baby area in the washrooms and a bottle warmer available on request
- Free ticket for the 3rd child over 4 in the same family
Schedules and rates
The château is closed in winter from mid-November to April. Exceptionally, it opens its doors at the end of the year and in the afternoon of the first week of January, except on December 25 and January 1. The last access is 45 minutes before the site closes. Here are the timetables:
- April to September: 10 am - 6 pm
- October to November: 10:30am-5pm
Prices are as follows:
- Full price: €14.50
- Reduced rate (under 18, students): €11.50
- Price for 4-6 year olds: €5.00
- Handicap rate: €9
- Electric cart rental: 15€ for 4 people 45min
We invite you to visit the château's official website for details of opening times and prices here. The château also offers a rich cultural program. Click here for more information.
Guided tours
In addition to free audio guides in over 8 languages, the château offers 3 types of guided tour in French:
- Speed visite: a 30-minute tour of the castle's history and architecture (+€3.50, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m.).
- Guided tour of the château: a 1-hour plunge into the prestigious world of the main building's interiors (+€4.90, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm).
- Tour of the theater: only accessible with a guide, original 30-minute tour (+€4.90, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm)
For more information, click here!
Catering
Only open to groups of 20 or more, the château's restaurant, l'Orangerie, offers traditional cuisine by reservation only. A large picnic area is also available to visitors. Pack a homemade snack and enjoy it in the shade of the tall trees right next to the labyrinth.
Do you prefer to discover the region's products over good food? The surrounding area is bursting with delicious addresses!
- A 5-minute walk away, let yourself be tempted by Vin Lençay. This pretty town restaurant will win you over with its tasty menu and local cuisine.
- In a rustic setting or amidst the flowers on the terrace, Auberge Saint-Fiacre will delight your taste buds with its fine local dishes. Located in Veuil, a 10-minute drive from the château, the address is recommended by the Michelin guide!
- Right next door, Restaurant Le P'tit Veuil will amaze you with its daring and exquisite cuisine. Don't forget to book in advance. Tables are in demand!
You're continuing your Loire tour and want to try some of the region's other restaurants? Discover our selection:
- In Tours - coming soon
- In Blois - coming soon
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The Château de Valençay and the Prince of Talleyrand
A great statesman
We glimpsed the mark of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838) in the château walls! This brilliant mind left his mark on French history through his political skill and diplomatic talents. A man of many faces, he supported the 9 regimes of the 18th and 19th centuries, from monarchy to Empire! He distinguished himself by his intelligence and was able to anticipate the great upheavals in Europe of his time. He was particularly well known to Emperor Napoleon, who made him one of his principal advisors as well as his Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"There are three kinds of knowledge: knowledge proper, know-how and savoir-vivre; the last two dispense quite well with the first." Not lacking in a sense of humor, Talleyrand, endowed with these 3 skills, was a man of cultivated taste and well-versed in the French art of living. A fine gourmet and art lover, he lived his life surrounded by beautiful things and people. This aesthetic sensibility was not lost on us as we explored the princely stronghold!
The lord of Valençay
In 1803, he acquired the Château de Valençay at Napoleon's instigation, seeing it as a means of "brilliantly receiving the diplomatic corps and distinguished foreigners". The prince carried out restoration work to restore the estate to its former splendor and adapt it to his tastes. He landscaped gardens, built outbuildings and furnished interiors. As soon as we arrived, we were able to admire the fruits of all Talleyrand's labors. You'll have a breathtaking view of the buildings in the background and the gardens in front of you!
In 1816, he moved in full-time and spent the last years of his life in this castle, having been removed from power for his overly liberal ideas. As well as entertaining great personalities, he is involved in the political life of the region and carries out actions to support the local population. Inspired by the philosophers of the Enlightenment, Talleyrand helped build the town hall, several schools and the cemetery. This benefactor left an indelible mark on the small town's landscape that we can still see today. You'll find this out as you explore the town center!
A castle of sumptuous treasures
Renaissance architecture
If you have the chance to go deeper into the bowels of the castle, you can feel the traces of the ancient influence of the Middle Ages by visiting the lower hall. Nestled in the foundations, it is one of the few remaining vestiges of Valençay's medieval seigniory. The rest of the building is fully in keeping with the Renaissance style, with aesthetics taking precedence over old defensive features.
Don't forget to look up when you visit! Typical of this type of architecture, the facades feature plant motifs and molded pediments. We were captivated by these Italian details, admiring the finesse of their scrolls and the symmetrical interweaving of the sculptures. The scallop shells adorning the top of some of the towers also reminded us of the modern motifs seen at Château de Chambord.
Crowning two of the largest towers, slate domes add roundness to the château's silhouette. Let their curves seduce you. The massive square pavilion stands proudly to underline the prestige of the château's owners. We enjoyed strolling through the flanking south gallery and contemplating the delicate marble statues in classical style.
Prestigious interiors
After contemplating the castle's imposing facades, enter the splendor of its interiors. You'll see, they're just as sumptuous as the outer shell suggests. The Louis XV style permeates many living rooms. Such is the case of the exquisite blue salon on the first floor. A sumptuous room with azure accents, the salon boasts luxurious furnishings. In the center of the room, surrounded by fine furniture and oriental objects in porcelain or lacquer, a superb Louis XV table beckons. We enjoyed the anecdote linked to this piece of furniture. It was transformed into a gaming table by the Spanish princes, who were held captive at the château for 6 years in the early 19th century. Talleyrand's love of games must have amused him too!
Upstairs, close to Talleyrand's Empire bedroom, other apartments vie for the limelight. The apartment of the Princesse de Bénévent, the Prince's wife, stands out for its splendor. Dominated by 18th-century style, we admired the royal-looking upholstered furniture on display. Paint lovers? You'll appreciate the beautiful portrait of the young woman painted by the famous 19th-century painter Elisabeth Vigée Lebrun.
Be prepared! Other exceptional rooms are well worth a visit. The King of Spain's bedroom, the largest in the château, combines Empire style with Louis XVI furniture. Beneath the splendid gray wallpaper, the precious wooden bed was specially made for the future King of Spain, Ferdinand VII. A few steps away, the guest bedroom and that of the Duchess of Dino rival each other in beauty. Playing with colors, they embody the elegance of the château and Talleyrand's aesthetic sense. The grand salon and music room also conceal treasures. We'll tell you all about it right after!
Superb collections
Do you like to contemplate beautiful things? The château houses magnificent collections of furniture and works of art! When we visited the treasure room, we saw a number of them. Bringing together precious objects, both official and intimate, this room reveals different facets of Talleyrand, this great and controversial figure. The beauty of the costumes and accessories left us in awe. We were also impressed by the number of crosses and medals he acquired during his lifetime. Certain casts, such as that of the aristocrat's ear, also touched us, underlining the humanity of this elusive man.
Over 60m long, the large gallery displays a variety of works of art. You'll be seduced by so much prestige! Family portraits are displayed on the wallpapers alongside bucolic landscapes. Against the walls, consoles and chests of drawers with gilded bronzes adorn the corridor in Empire or Restoration style. We particularly enjoyed strolling through this noble gallery.
Two other rooms caught our eye for their remarkable furnishings. Talleyrand's magnificent study is adorned with superb functional furniture. The large mahogany secretary dominates the center of the room, concealing secret drawers that we were tempted to open! The music room is also home to some very valuable objects. It houses period instruments including a gilded harp and a magnificent fortepiano. Just listen and let your imagination run wild, and you'll be transported back to the middle of the 19th century!
Showmanship
An authentic theater
Adjoining the orangery, the theater overlooks the jardin des ronds. From 1819 onwards, Talleyrand transformed this former outhouse into a place dedicated to his entertainment and that of his guests. The structural work was entrusted to local craftsmen, while the decoration and stage were created by Parisian specialists, making this theater a jewel of its kind. Exceptionally well-preserved, the original furnishings and decorations still brighten up the interior. You'll be seduced by the parterre's lamp statues representing tragedy and comedy. The soft light of the quinquets, those old-fashioned oil lamps, transported us to the stage!
During Talleyrand's lifetime, artists and amateurs alike performed in this authentic theater, playing mainly vaudevilles (light comedies) and comedies. The prince and his guests were fond of social theater, and enjoyed preparing plays to perform themselves. Rehabilitated in 1980, the theater has now been brought back to life. It offers a multidisciplinary artistic program. Literary, musical and public speaking events follow one another throughout the seasons. The Talleyrand Festival, for example, is an opportunity for a number of talented artists to take over the theater and the rest of the estate.
A love of gastronomy
At the heart of the French lifestyle, cuisine plays a key role in the history of Château de Valençay. Concealed in basements, the large kitchens offer exceptional equipment. A fine gourmet, Talleyrand invested in a coffee roaster, a clockwork spit and a charcoal stove - the ultimate in 19th-century culinary utensils. Not far away, we could also see the cellar and its fabulous bottles of wine and liqueurs.
A luxurious echo of the kitchen, the dining room with its neoclassical decor embodies the art of the table par excellence. Enlarged by Talleyrand, it could seat up to 36 guests. Very concerned with the order of meals, served in the French style, the prince could cut his own meat or choose his own wine. Did you know? French-style service consists of serving all dishes at once, which are then removed for cutting. We found out during our visit!
As a tribute to the prince's love of gastronomy, the château opens its doors to various gastronomic events from year to year. A game of scents, for example, is on offer in Antonin's garden, a space that pays tribute to the famous French chef who also served Talleyrand. The International Festival of Culinary Photography took place at the château in 2022. Other events include gastronomic tours and temporary exhibitions on the theme of cooking. Keep up to date on the château's official website here.
The park and gardens
Landscaped gardens
After exploring the main building's corridors, head for the gardens. The château is surrounded by gardens typical of French landscape art. The French garden and the round garden embody this ideal of geometry and tamed nature. Fragile classical statues blend with circular and square flowerbeds, inviting you to take a stroll. We enjoyed strolling along these straight alleys to the cheerful sound of the fountains. A little further on, echoing this symmetrical organization of space, the Grand Labyrinthe de Napoléon attracts all those wishing to lose themselves in history. Give it a try!
Then take a walk along the Grande Perspective. More daring, it illuminates green spaces with its artistic direction. Designed in 2016 by landscape architect Noémie Malet, it was inspired by a 1705 engraving depicting the park, while leaving room for contemporary creation. Let the scent of flowers guide you as you stroll through the Duchess's garden and the pleasure garden, both of which feature flower beds.
The farm and fallow deer park
Continue your exploration of the estate by approaching the small farm with its many animals. The sounds of bleating mingle with the scents of Antonin's garden. A delight for children and nature lovers alike, the pens are home to sheep, goats and billy goats. We were delighted to catch a glimpse of the newborns, adorable in their still-pure down!
On the outskirts of the forest, the fallow deer park gives pride of place to majestic cervids. Stationed a few dozen meters away, we were able to admire them frolicking around a large clearing. Kids and adults alike will love it!
The park and its mysteries
Covering more than 53 hectares, the park also features a dense forest. The shade of old trees hides some curiosities! We were surprised to discover some mysterious places on our tour. The ballroom, a natural clearing in which Spanish captive princes used to dance, captivated us with its poetry. We didn't have the courage to enter the dark bat cave. But perhaps you'll dare to enter the tufa cave from which the stones needed to build the château were extracted. Finally, the Princes' Tavern entertained us. Spanish prisoners used to take refuge here in summer to cool off!
Other mysteries inhabit the woods. Along the 4km route, you'll come across the glaciers, where ice was kept all year round! The "Saut du loup" is also surprising. The purpose of the moat was to provide an unobstructed view of the outside world.
Frequently asked questions
What tourist attractions are close to Château de Valençay?
The château is within easy reach of many tourist attractions:
- The Beauval zoo, less than half an hour away by car, is the 4th most beautiful zoo in the world. You'll love this journey into the animal world! Book your visit now!
- Just a stone's throw from the château, the Musée de l'Automobile de Valençay (Valençay Automobile Museum ) showcases gleaming, prestigious vintage cars. The official website here.
- Less than 1 hour away, let yourself be tempted by the magic of Château de Chambord, the emblem of the Loire castles! To find out more, read our article here.
What is the link between the Château de Valençay and Talleyrand?
Prince de Talleyrand, a leading politician of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was the proud owner of Château de Valençay from 1803. At the urging of Emperor Napoleon, he helped restore the estate, giving it an aura of culture and elegance. Thanks to his taste for pomp and distinction, he made this place a magnificent witness to the refined life of 19th-century France. We were transported into this prestigious world during our visit!
Is it possible to rent the Château de Valençay?
The château can be partly privatized! You can rent the Orangerie, a magnificent building that can seat up to 160 guests. Located on the edge of the French garden, which we were lucky enough to visit, it regularly hosts weddings, receptions and seminars. Click here to find out more!
What events are organized at Château de Valençay?
Throughout the year, the château organizes a variety of events. Paying homage to the Prince de Talleyrand and his love of fine things, the estate hosts music and literature festivals, as well as events linked to the art of diplomacy. Visit the château's official website to find out more about the cultural program here.
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