Château de Talcy

In the vicinity of Blois, the tapered roofs of the Château de Talcy stand out amidst the cereal-growing plains of the Beauce/Blois region.  Constructed in the 16^th century, this agrarian castle has had the good fortune of being inhabited by poets. The proprietor’s daughter, Cassandre, was a source of inspiration for Ronsard when he was writing the poems entitled Les Amours; “Mignonne, allons voir si la rose…” (Sweetie, let’s go see whether the rose) is the most celebrated of them all. A charming residence with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere, since the 18^th century it has conserved a personalized decor with exceptional furnishings, as well as an orchard conservatory.

While the Talcy seigneurie existed as early as the 13^th century, today’s château results from the transformations carried out by François’ Florentine banker, Bernard Salviati, who became its  proprietor in 1517. Even though it was built contemporaneously with Chambord and the other great Renaissance  castles, this seigneurial abode has maintained the outward aspect of an edifice dating back to the late Middle Ages with its traditional fortifications, albeit without any actual defensive function.

During a visit to the Château de Talcy you shall discover a truly unique decor. Featuring elaborately paneled walls, the apartments contain a series of 18^th-century furnishings bearing the stamps of renowned Parisian cabinetmakers, a highly rare painted canvas with Indian-style decoration in the dining room, and a number of tapestries. Taken together, these features epitomize the gentle and genteel life style of the Enlightenment century and markedly enhance the interest of the monument.

Covering nearly 18 acres of wall-enclosed gardens, the estate still shows signs of its one-time agrarian function. It offers visitors an enjoyable, enchanting stroll through its vegetable garden and  orchard conservatory with different species renewed from one season to the next.