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Castle · Tours, Centro-Vale do Loire
Château de Villandry
The last of the great Renaissance châteaux built on the banks of the Loire, known for its terraced gardens, including an ornamental potager, water garden and maze.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château de Villandry
Château de Villandry is about 15 km west of Tours, near the confluence of the Cher and the Loire. It was the last of the great châteaux built on the Loire's banks in the 16th century, commissioned by Jean Le Breton, minister to Francis I.
What draws visitors are the gardens. From 1906, physician Joachim Carvallo, the estate's new owner, reconstructed gardens in the spirit of the Renaissance based on drawings by architect Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Today there are over six hectares across four terraced levels.
The ornamental potager mixes vegetables and flowers in geometric beds that change color with the seasons. There is also an ornamental garden with clipped box hedges, a water garden, a maze and the sun garden. From the top of the turret you can see the full layout of the beds.
The gardens are open every day of the year except 25 December; the château has its own season. The site is a listed historic monument and part of the Loire Valley area inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours for the castle and gardens.
Best time
From May to September, when the potager and beds are usually fuller and more colorful. Early mornings are quieter. In the European autumn, in October, the potager often features pumpkins and autumn foliage.
How to get there
By car, about 20 minutes from Tours. There is no train station in Villandry; you can go by bike via the Loire à Vélo, by taxi or on an organized tour. Check for seasonal buses before you go.
Tip
Climb up to the tower viewpoint before going down to the gardens: from above you can understand the layout of the flowerbeds. Combine with Azay-le-Rideau, about 10 km away.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château de Villandry
What to see in Villandry?
Mainly the terraced gardens: the ornamental potager, the ornamental garden, the water garden and the maze. The castle can be visited in its season.
Are the gardens open in winter?
The gardens are open every day of the year, except on December 25. The castle closes for part of the winter; check the schedule before you go.
How to get from Tours to Villandry without a car?
By bike via the Loire à Vélo, by taxi or on a tour. There is no train to Villandry.
Can you combine Villandry with another castle on the same day?
Yes. Azay-le-Rideau is about 10 km away and Langeais about 12 km.