Villandry Touring
The Famous Gardens of
Château de Villandry

Château de Villandry Touring this famous château should be considered if you are a keen gardener and appreciator of resourceful landscape and design. The chateau is just under 3 hours from Paris, an hour's drive from Ambroise or only 20 mins from Tours. The Chateau de Villandry is one of the last Renaissance chateaux to be built.




There are three garden styles on the estate: Farthest away from the entry is the formal water garden with mirror lake, which serves as a reservoir to irrigate the extensive gardens. The water garden is accessible by passing through a grove of lime trees.

The 2-part ornamental garden includes symbolic topiary hedges for the "Garden of Love" and the "Garden of Music". There is also a herb garden which includes medicinal plants.

Lastly is the decorative kitchen garden. Here you'll find almost a hectares worth of flowers and vegetables, planted in geometric patterns. The plants are replaced twice a year in spring and summer.

Symbols of the cross predominate in the kitchen garden - an influence taken from monastery gardens. Plant varieties are based on seasonal legumes that would have been used in the Renaissance period, such as cabbage, tomatoes, eggplant (aubergines), amongst more recent ornamental lettuce varieties.


Villandry Touring TIP:
There are some great photo opportunities and vantage points from within the château, as each room has a unique perspective over the different gardens.


The Spanish born doctor, Dr. Joachim Carvallo, great grandfather of the present owner, is the genius behind the garden creations. A keen supporter of French heritage, he bought the castle in 1906 and lovingly restored it to meet the styles of the 16th Century. He was also a keen collector of Spanish art, but all that remains of this collection is the ceiling from a Spanish Maqueda ducal palace.



Villandry Touring TIP:
The layout of the gardens is best appreciated from the keep. From this tower you can enjoy the panoramic view over the gardens and out to the neighbouring village.


Visit the official Villandry Château website for more info...


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