Château de Villandry

Villandry, finished in 1536, was the last great Renaissance château built on the Loire, and it is visited for what surrounds it: the most famous formal gardens in the valley, recreated in the early twentieth century by Joachim Carvallo, whose descendants still own and run the estate.

The Gardens

The gardens descend in terraces: the water garden at the top, the ornamental salon gardens of clipped box drawn as allegories of love, and below them the celebrated Renaissance kitchen garden, nine squares of vegetables planted in patterns and replanted twice a year. Every season changes the picture; high summer and the September replanting show it fullest.

Visiting

The gardens open year-round and the château most of the year; current hours and prices are at chateauvillandry.fr. Garden-only tickets exist and suit a second visit; first-timers should take both. Allow two hours, and walk up to the belvedere above the water garden for the view the postcards use.

Villandry sits 15 minutes from Tours and pairs naturally with Azay-le-Rideau or Langeais; see the top ten castles for the pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Villandry famous for?
Its gardens: terraced Renaissance parterres, allegorical box gardens, and a nine-square ornamental kitchen garden replanted twice a year. They are the most celebrated formal gardens in the Loire.

Who owns Villandry?
The Carvallo family. Joachim Carvallo bought the estate in 1906, restored the Renaissance gardens from old plans, and his descendants still own and manage it.

When are the Villandry gardens at their best?
From June through September, with the summer planting in full growth; the October replanting and spring bulbs give the shoulder seasons their own look. The gardens open every day of the year.