Marvel at one of the famous châteaus in the Loire Valley and immerse yourself in the wondrous garden that surrounds it.
Walk beside intricately shaped hedges and long avenues of yew and lime trees at Château de Villandry. Admire the grand fort that stands at the centre and look at the superb paintings and lavish décor inside.
Easily visible because of its striking white exterior, the château was constructed during the 16th century by Jean le Breton. Note that it was later restored and rejuvenated in the 1750s and is now one of the most modern castles in the region.
Make your way toward the thick turrets and spires of the house. A vast carpet of lush foliage greets you. The gardens here are split between several terraces and cover an area of more than 14 acres (6 hectares). Begin at the lowest level where an enormous kitchen garden is perfectly pruned into long lines of cabbages and flowers. A simple garden has herbs for medicinal and culinary use.
Continue on to the embroidery garden where box and rounded hedges have been crafted to create perfectly formed lines and stunning sculptures. The decorative area is divided into four sections. Each symbolises a different type of love using beds of roses of all colours. The water garden nearby is a delight of fountains and sculptures while the sun garden brings together bright, scented flowers and fruit trees from around the world.
Spend a few minutes finding your way through the mysterious arbored maze before you finally reach the château itself. Each room of this traditional Renaissance structure seems more decadent than the last with carved period furnishings and impressive tapestries hanging from the walls. See the elegant gilded ceiling in the oriental room. Don’t miss the gallery of fine Spanish and Flemish oil paintings.
Château de Villandry is a 5-minute walk east from the village of Villandry. Visit the château and gardens any day. There is a small entry fee for both.
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