Valencay Regal Bed Chamber

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand Perigord & Valencay

Chateau Valencay was the home of Talleyrand from 1803, when Napoleon ordered that his Foreign Minister, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand acquire the Chateau to entertain and impress foreign dignatories.

What makes the Chateau Valencay we visit today extra special is the combination of a beautiful exterior and gardens plus the interior rooms, corridors, furniture, fittings and fixtures presented in the manner as Talleyrand would have entertained his foreign dignatory guests.

The self guided audio provided as part of the entry fee to the Chateau is very good indeed with Talleyrand himself as your tour guide, giving one a great sense of history of the time and his role therein.

But let’s take a step back.

We parked under the shade of the trees by the Office de Tourisme in Valencay. Walking up the avenue to the Chateau it slowly comes into view ahead and you know that the architect and builder understood the meaning of the “ wow factor”. At every step the Chateau reveals itself just a little more.

After the ticket office, the first gardens, then through to the main courtyard and a whole new view to experience. Indeed as you walk around the Chateau the views expand, again and again, simply stunning.

Chateau Interior

Now I am an avid admirer of antique furniture and furnishings, so please excuse my enthusiasm for this fabulous display below. I have since visiting the Chateau obtained a copy of a biography of Talleyrand, what an interesting chap he is turning out to be :-

And after your tour of the Chateau, the Orangerie has teas, ice cream and cold drinks, a perfect end to a brilliant visit. You do need a good half day to see Chateau Valencay, I think for me it was the best combination of features within any of the Chateau we visited this trip. The buildings themselves, the gardens, and the interiors furniture and furnishings plus its overall location, all are a wow!!!

Do visit if you are coming to the Loire, you will not be disappointed.