Château de Valencay
A romantic destination, but also one for families, Valençay in the north of the Indre is the furthest south of all the Châteaux de la Loire and has a fascinating history. It was the country home of Talleyrand, Napoleon’s Foreign Minister, when it was a centre for French diplomacy and for fine living.
Château de Valençay and its surrounding area, a centre for high society and fine living
Important receptions were held there for the high society of the period when Talleyrand could rely on his ""chef de bouche"" Antonin Carême, who we must thank profusely for inventing the croquembouche and profiteroles !
The Château de Valençay estate covers 53 hectares of grounds and gardens, an enchanting setting for concerts, theatrical performances and cookery demonstrations by great chefs.
The Pays de Valençay area is unique in France as it has a double AOC (PDO) distinction for its wine and cheese which both have the same name ! As you drove along the local country roads, stop off at a Valençay wine-producer or cheese-producer to taste their products, particularly in the delightful floral villages of Lye and Veuil. Valençay and Beauval are a stylish dual-destination for a holiday with family, friends or partner !
The Château de Valençay and its 53 hectares of grounds
The interior of the château has period furniture, some of which belonged to Talleyrand. Visits can be with a guide or self-guided with free audio-guides for adults and children (2 versions are available : ages 4-6 years and ages 7-12). The gardens can be explored on foot or aboard an electric cart along a 4km trail. Visitors arrive in the gardens « à la Française », then move on to the main courtyard which overlooks the terraced Jardin de la Duchesse.
The Jardin d’Antonin is by the deer park and has over 300 species of culinary herbs. Children can have great fun here with a scent guessing game, on a treasure hunt in the nearby maze, one of the largest in France, and at the petting farm. There is also a Motor Museum (Musée de l’Automobile) just a stone’s throw from the Château.
What to see and do around Château de Valençay
An absolute star attraction in the neighbouring department of Loir-et-Cher is the Zoo Parc de Beauval, classed as one of the 10 finest zoos in the world. It has almost 8,000 animals including 2 giant pandas, unique in France !
Back in the Indre, continue your heritage and nature tour at the Château de Bouges, an attractive château built of cut stone and often compared to the Petit Trianon of Versailles. Its gardens are classed ‘Jardins remarquables’ as are those of the nearby Domaine de Poulaines whose 13 contemporary gardens and arboretum are a joy to visit at any time of year ! Surrounding the 15th century manor house, the path winds its way through different atmospheric gardens with wonderful plants. You can go for a swim at Argy, Villentrois (at La Planche Baron), in La Foulquetière lake at à Luçay-le-Mâle and why not go there by train on a 1900 steam train or 1950s ‘autorail’ train belonging to the ‘train touristique du Bas-Berry’!
History lovers simply have to visit the medieval towns of Châtillon-sur-Indre and Levroux and the village of Palluau-sur-Indre perched on a hill dominated by its castle. Walkers can hike along 250km of signposted paths in the area while ‘foodies’ can enjoy wine, cheese and ‘citrouillat’, a sweet or savoury dish made from pumpkin or squash !
« Don’t miss the candlelit evenings during August » recommends Marie-Hélène owner of Les Huberts gite at Lye.
The Château is open every day from mid-March to mid-November. Parking is free in the avenue leading up to the Château. Access is via A20 from the south and A85 from the north. Continue your tour of Indre and the Berry region in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Brenne."
