Michelin gives Valencay a 3 Star and RS gives it a paragraph. We will have a car & a GPS, so transportation isn't an issue. Anyone been there and want to put it in their Top Five? And, one more questions for your experienced French travelers -- What is the best way to get from the Loire Valley to Orly? We are checking on costs of returning the car there, but also wanted some advice on other possibilities. (We will take the TGV from CDG to St. Pierre & pick up a car there as has been suggested earlier) Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
20174 posts
There really aren't any good rail connections to Orly. The closest would train from Bourges to Gare d'Austerlitz, then RER C to Pont de Rungis, then shuttle bus to the terminal. Returning at the airport would fairly easy as you are south of Paris and Orly is in the south suburbs.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6531 posts
We spent part of a day at Valencay a few years ago and enjoyed it. It's a big chateau, not all of it open to visitors as I recall, and architecturally less attractive than Chenonceaux or Chambord or Azay or some others, though still interesting. It belonged to Talleyrand, who was sort of the Henry Kissinger of his time, a very interesting figure you can learn about on the visit. A lot of the rooms are furnished with his possessions. He was early 19th century but I think the chateau itself is older. It's somewhat off the beaten track for the Loire chateaux, which means you'll spend longer getting there and back. It will definitely be less crowded than the "biggies." With a car you should have no trouble. The RS guide focuses on what he thinks should be your priorities with limited time, not trying to cover everything as some other guides do. That's a good approach but should be taken with a grain of salt (as I'm sure he would agree). Valencay might be a good "back door" discovery for you (and me).
Re getting to Orly, I'd think the sensible choice would be just drive there. Stop to see things in Orleans, and/or Bourges if you have time.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
I agree with Dick's assessment. We found it interesting for its historical connections, and I liked the interiors particularly at Valencay. We visited in early May a couple of years ago, and where others were moderately crowded Valencay was practically empty in comparison. The driving In the area was easy, we had the time and we enjoyed it. Have a great trip. We loved our four days in the Loire as much as any trip anywhere.