✍️ This article was originally published on 21 July 2022, it was updated on 21 November 2024.
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!
