CHÂTEAU OF VALENCAY

It was in 1803 that Napoleon decided to acquire the Château of Valençay for his famous Minister of Foreign Affairs, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, in order to allow him to invite in full splendour all of the European dignitaries. Located in the Berry region, the Château of Valençay presents 2 styles of architecture, Renaissance and Classical. Fully furnished, it is also surrounded by magnificent French-style gardens and an English landscape park...

ESSENTIALS

A former feudal fortress

The Park & Château of Valençay came into existence in the time of Louis XIII, and were built on the site of an ancient feudal fortress. Over the years, its architecture became transformed, combining early Renaissance and Classical styles harmoniously. In 1803, Napoleon bought this magnificent château, which then became the property of the prince of Talleyrand (who was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs) thus allowing him to host the dignitaries of the Empire in full splendour.

Labyrinth of Napoleon Chateau of Valencay

Recreational visits for the whole family

The Château of Valençay houses an exceptional collection of Louis XVI and Empire-style furniture, and its park and forest cover more than 50 hectares. Audio-guides are available in 6 languages, along with: a historical film, a visit of the large kitchens, Napoleon’s vast maze, the children’s château, the small farm, the flowered checkerboard, a visit of the French-style gardens (complete with soundtrack), a visit of the château in period-costume…

HIDDEN TREASURE

Illuminated magic and concerts

The Park & Château of Valençay also welcome some prestigious events: the illuminated magic of "Candlelit visits", concerts, and plays in the Small Theatre built in 1810 by order of Talleyrand. It was built for the purpose of entertaining the future king of Spain, Ferdinand VII, who was confined as a prisoner at Valençay in a golden cage for 6 years.

Saturday, July 21st and Saturday, August 4th are two exceptional nights when 3 000 candles adorn the castle. Here you will find costumed actors, trumpeters, lively kitchens, films for children, tastings of AOC Valençay, carriage rides in the illuminated park, Am Ketenes and his band for two concerts in the castle courtyard, and a final fireworks show. Two unforgettable evenings not to be missed!

Services and new developments

In 2011, the Château of Valençay saw the birth of a new garden, “Le Jardin d’Antonin”, that is 600m². It is a culinary herb garden with 320 species in honour of Antonin Carême (the greatest chef of the nineteenth century). In the garden, you will also find an “aroma quiz” that is available for all ages. The orangery of the château houses a restaurant with 150 seats facing the magnificent keep, and a large bookstore offers a variety of books and souvenirs relating to the life of its illustrious owner.