Château de Villandry

Château de Villandry is famous for its gardens – described by many as works of living art. However, because we were visiting in October, I resigned myself to the idea that the gardens would be past their prime. I believed that the true beauty would be found inside the Château.

Château de VIllandry as seen from the gardens

Did you know that the gardens are open every day of the year – not many places in any country can boast that availability. In fact we discovered that in mid autumn the gardens at Château de Villandry are lovely. It is hard to see how they could be any prettier in the spring or summer.

Château de Villandry gardens viewed from inside the Château

In the photo above, you can see the tree line in the distance that marks the upper terrace path around the gardens.

Another view from inside the Château

Each window inside the Château offered a spectacular view of the gardens.

Château Gardens

Your tour begins with the Château where you work your way to the second floor terrace and then on out to the gardens. The views of the gardens from this terrace are splendid.

Château Gardens

More views from the top of the Château

Gardens viewed from the middle level terraced walk around the estate

Stone steps descending from the upper terrace walk

Gardens viewed from the top of the Château

Seven gardens grace the Château de Villandry : a vegetable garden planted spring and fall as well as a herb garden, a Seville style flower garden, a formal French-style garden with box hedges and trellis fencing, a water garden, the woods, and a maze. The veggie garden is geometric in form and the forms are based on the symbol of the cross.

The topiaries in this part of the garden were a refreshing change of pace

We discovered during our visit that Château de Villandry which is built overlooking the Cher River was the last Loire château to be built. No king ever lived here as it was built for the minister of finance for Francois I. This was no longer a period of medieval Châteaux; Villadry was a Renaissance Château and the ornamental gardens are a visual testament of the changes that took place. The original Château that was here was a medieval fortress but the only surviving part is the keep which you can see clearly from the water garden.

Medieval Keep with the peaceful water garden in the foreground

Villandry was so easy to get to. We arrived in Paris where we spent several days enjoying all the good things Paris can offer then we took the train to Angers. At the train station we picked up our rental car and a short hour later arrived at Château Villandry. We enjoyed our walk through the Château and the gardens. Stay for lunch at La Doulce Terrasse if it fits your schedule.

Inside the Château

Your tour of the Château begins inside, which we discovered actually gave you the best views of the garden. Below is the 18th century renovation of the dining room which has a fountain built into the wall at one end.

Chateau de Villandry Dining Room

Chateau de Villandry dining room fountain

Wrought-iron Louis XV Staircase

From the staircase to the ceilings, the inside of Villandry is beautiful! In the drawing room ceiling you will discover scallop shells, floral designs, and royal coats of arms.

Ceiling of the oriental drawing room

Below is the bed chamber of Prince Jérôme Bonaparte, Napolean’s youngest brother who was owner here at Villandry for several years during the Empire period. Isn’t the ceiling wonderful!

Prince Jérôme Bonaparte’s bed chamber

Plan plenty of time to walk through the gardens regardless of the season. Two elevated paths surround the estate and gardens providing spectacular views. The wonderful photos through the various seasons at Villandry are courtesy of the Château de Villandry website