Valençay

Valençay (French pronunciation: [valɑ̃sɛ] ⓘ) is a commune in the Indre department in the administrative region of Centre-Val de Loire, France.

The chateau is a part of the Loire Valley by virtue of the date of its construction and its dimensions, which give it a similar appearance to Chambord.

A 12th-century castle existed on this site, was demolished and construction of its replacement began in 1520, albeit slowly.

Louis of Estampes, governor and baillif of Blois, undertook the building of the large round tower at the end of the entrance wing.

Finance remained mixed with Valençay's history: among its successive owners include farmers.

In 1803 the castle was purchased by diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand.. On 6 May 1941, Georges Bégué, the first SOE agent from England, was parachuted into a field near Valençay.