Château de Troussay, Blois

Castle in Blois

Public Domain / Calame

Château de Troussay is one of the top sights in Cheverny for travellers who appreciate intimate historic homes filled with personality and unexpected architectural treasures. Often described as a miniature château with an oversized sense of character, Troussay grew from a modest manor house into a patchwork of Renaissance, Gothic, and 19th-century revival styles thanks to Louis de la Saussaye — historian, preservationist, and passionate collector. His imaginative restorations turned the château into a living catalogue of rescued sculptures, doors, panels, and decorative elements from vanished Loire estates.

Set within peaceful gardens and still privately inhabited, Troussay offers a quieter, more personal experience than the Loire’s grand palaces. With only a handful of rooms open to visitors, it is a great place particularly for those who enjoy quirky architecture, hidden details, and stories of heritage lovingly saved from destruction.

History and Significance of Château de Troussay
Things to See and Do in Château de Troussay
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Château de Troussay
Where to Stay close to Château de Troussay
Is Château de Troussay Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Château de Troussay
Nearby Attractions to Château de Troussay

History and Significance of Château de Troussay

Though first recorded around 1450, the earliest surviving parts of Château de Troussay date from the Renaissance, when Robert de Bugy — squire to King François I and director of the region's salt storehouses — owned the property. The house later expanded in the 17th century with the addition of a central block and two wings, along with a formal French garden laid out behind.

The château passed through several noble families before reaching Louis de la Saussaye in the 19th century. A historian of Loire châteaux and an early advocate for architectural preservation, de la Saussaye sought not only to restore Troussay but also to rescue fragments from abandoned or destroyed estates. With the help of architect Louis de la Morandière, he integrated sculptural elements, doors, capitals, coats of arms, and decorative details into the fabric of Troussay according to his motto “fort à l’abandon” — rescued from abandonment.

After passing to de la Saussaye’s descendants, the château was sold in 1900 to the Delamarre de Monchaux family, whose descendants still own it today. Limited areas of the château and its grounds remain open to the public, preserving an intimate connection to both heritage and family life.

Things to See and Do in Château de Troussay

Troussay’s architecture is a delightful mix of influences. The François I façade draws inspiration from Chambord, complete with slate-framed chimneys, stone mullion windows, and pinnacled towers built in the 18th century. Sculptures salvaged from estates such as Château de Bury and l’Hôtel Hurault de Cheverny add unmistakable character, from Renaissance reliefs to Louis XII’s porcupine emblem.

On the Louis XII garden façade, the blend of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles appears in linenfold panels, carved pediments, and the remarkable original château door — moved during restoration to highlight its beauty. Latin and Greek inscriptions, humorous “sottise” figures, brick-lattice towers inspired by Blois, and the whimsical marmouset plaque celebrate Troussay's layered past.

Inside, six rooms open to visitors reveal centuries of craftsmanship. Renaissance doors, 15th-century tiles, vaulted ceilings inspired by Blois, Italian-style painted ceilings attributed to Jean Mosnier, and a François I-era fireplace showcase Troussay's refined, eclectic interior. Furniture from across Europe, from Strasbourg armoires to Portuguese cabinets, completes the picture of a château shaped by travel, taste, and preservation.

How to Get There

Château de Troussay is located in Cheverny, south of Blois. Travellers can reach Blois-Chambord station by train, then continue by taxi or local transport to Cheverny. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Those arriving by car will find easy access from the D765 and parking available on-site. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Château de Troussay

Best time to visit Château de Troussay: Spring and summer for gardens in full bloom.
Entrance fee in Euros: Standard, children’s, and combined garden/château tickets available.
Opening hours: Seasonal opening; check the current schedule before visiting.
Official website: chateaudetroussay.com
How long to spend: 1–1.5 hours for the château and gardens.
Accessibility: Some uneven surfaces and steps; limited accessibility.
Facilities: Shop, restrooms, and garden seating.
Photography tip: Capture the François I façade from the front lawn for perfect symmetry.
Guided-tours: Offered at select times, often highlighting restored and rescued elements.
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants in Cheverny village and Cour-Cheverny.

Where to Stay close to Château de Troussay

For visitors staying near Troussay, charming accommodation options abound. In the heart of Cheverny, Relais des Trois Châteaux offers comfort near local restaurants. Travellers wanting countryside tranquillity may enjoy Les Sources de Cheverny, surrounded by woodland and vineyards. For those basing themselves in Blois, Hôtel Anne de Bretagne provides a central and welcoming stay.

Is Château de Troussay Worth Visiting?

Yes — Château de Troussay is a charming and unusual gem in the Loire Valley. Its modest size, eclectic architecture, rescued artworks, and peaceful gardens create a uniquely intimate experience that contrasts beautifully with the grander Loire châteaux.

FAQs for Visiting Château de Troussay

Is the château still privately owned?
Yes, and only select rooms and the gardens are open to the public.

Can you take photos inside?
Photography is generally permitted without flash.

Is the tour guided or self-guided?
Both options may be available depending on the season.

Are the gardens large?
They are small but beautifully designed, perfectly complementing the château.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the whimsical sculptures and garden paths are enjoyable for families.

Nearby Attractions to Château de Troussay

Château de Cheverny: A grand 17th-century estate famed for its hounds and Tintin connection.
Château de Beauregard: Home to the magnificent Galerie des Illustres.
Château de Blois: A major royal château featuring four architectural styles.
Château de Chambord: The Loire's most spectacular Renaissance masterpiece.
Maison des Vins de Cheverny: A perfect stop to taste local wines near the château.

The Château de Troussay appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Blois!

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