When visiting Chateau de Valençay it is worth making the trip (10km) to nearby ,small but perfectly formed, chateau de Bouges an elegant castle set in landscaped grounds. Your approach is via a 2km avenue lined by lime and chestnut trees.

Built in 1759, the symmetrical building, is said to have been modelled on the Petit Trianon in Versailles. Unlike a lot of the Loire Valley chateau this little beauty is well furnished and has actually got a lived in feel to it, even though it is not in fact occupied. Not all of the rooms are open to the public but there are enough to give you a feel for how it must have been at its glorious best.

It was once owned by Talleyrand before he moved to the grandeur of  Chateau de Valençay. He in turn gifted it to his niece who became Duchess of Dino. It then changed hands a number of times before its last owner, Henry Viguier, a Parisian businessman, bought it in 1917. He and his wife  Renée lived in and lavished attention on the house. They undertook its modernization, reviving the castle by adding wood panelling and tastefully redecorated and refurnishing the chateau with antique furniture.

Viguier, a keen horseman, also renovated the stable blocks where you can now view tack rooms and horse-drawn carts.

In 1968 the property was given to the state in all its splendour and is now there to be appreciated by all.

 There is a formal  French style  garden to view plus a well planted 80 hectare park.