The gardens of the Château de Villandry

Renaissance garden, French garden

Villandry is a Renaissance chateau set in the heart of four levels of tiered gardens. It is the last of the great Renaissance châteaux built on the banks of the Loire. Remarkable for the harmony of its architecture and its gardens, the site is best known for its gardens, spread over four levels, which combine aesthetics, diversity and harmony.

Presentation of the gardens of Villandry

The decorative kitchen garden has a profusion of colourful flowers and vegetables planted in a chequerboard plan. The effect of the seasonal variations is an ever-changing three-dimensional picture.

In the ornamental garden, the box hedges form musical symbols, but pride of place is given to hearts, scrolls, butterflies, fans… allegories of love – tender, passionate, fickle and tragic.

The water garden is the most tranquil: here the pool takes centre stage, with the sound of the fountains and the great lawned spaces bringing visitors a feeling of calm and tranquillity. This is the most peaceful garden you could find, ideal for relaxing or just dreaming!

The site is completed by the herb garden, with its medicinal and culinary plants, and the arboured maze, where adults and children love to lose themselves.

The owners of the gardens

Villandry has been in the Carvallo family since 1906. It was Joachim Carvallo, a Spaniard, and his American wife, Ann Coleman, who created the gardens around 1910. The castle, which was refurbished in the 18th century, has recently been restored. This is a friendly, family home, where every room tells the story of an era, thanks to its furniture and careful decoration.