Real people obviously lived here until quite recently by comparison to some of the other chateaux. Impeccable parks, lawns, a deer enclosure, an animal nursery, gardens and fountains. The clipped and manicured gardens alert the tourist to expect great things of the interior of the chateau. When you enter the first thing that you note is the attention to detail. Inside each room or gallery were furnishings and or dressings depicting the lifestyl
e of the former residents. Make certain that you include a trip to the kitchen in this chateau. You'll be surprised by what you find. The proportions are immense but the most distinguishing feature is the number of so called modern inclusions and conveniences that are displayed in the kitchen date back to Napoleon's era. Running water, bakers and cook's ovens. A cellar of generous elegance. I can't imagine what it must have been like to actually have worked within 
the walls of that kitchen. The cave-like walk to access the kitchen does not prepare you for the well preserved and seemingly authentic items showcased. As each of us in our party left this chateau we felt that we had connected in a small way as 
the displays had been so carefully staged as to represent a functioning place of residence. 
Chateau Valencey was the most real life place we saw. I could move in tomorrow. I even liked the green room, and that dining table for 36 people. And the wine cellar... who could forget. It was the kind of place that is in books and movies and I would love to be the wedding coordinator there. It was such a peaceful, unpretenious, untouristy, place. As if the inhabitants had moved out one day last century and left it exactly the same way.
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