The history of the castle of Villandry begins in the Middle Ages. On these lands, a fortified castle was built, the keep of which remains today.
In 1536, Jean Breton, minister of finance of François I, built a castle in the architectural style characteristic of the second Renaissance. Between the 16th century and the 19th century, the castle of Villandry changed owners several times and underwent numerous transformations. This was the case in the 18th century under the Marquis de Castellane and later when the French gardens were replaced by a generous English park.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Joachim Carvallo and his wife Ann Coleman acquired the estate. They restored the Château de Villandry and gave the monument its original environment, recreating the Renaissance garden that we can admire and walk through today!
Henri Carvallo continues the work initiated by his great-grandparents to make the castle and gardens of Villandry a place not to be missed during your stay in the Loire Valley. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Tours, the Villandry estate will delight you with its castle interiors and its French garden.
The Château de Villandry, a warm family monument
Villandry is known for its gardens, of course, but don't miss the pleasure of visiting its castle.
From the living room to the kitchens, via the library, the bedrooms and the dining room, you will be seduced by the fifteen or so carefully furnished and decorated rooms which add to the convivial, family and warm atmosphere so dear to the owners of the place.
During your visit, you will be able to admire the Mudejar-style oriental salon dating from the 15th century, a curiosity made up of 3,600 wooden pieces acquired and assembled by Joachim Carvallo. An art enthusiast, he acquired the Château de Villandry to display his treasures: a remarkable collection of 17th-century Spanish paintings.
Don't leave the château without visiting the terrace of the keep, which offers a breathtaking view of the splendid gardens... Your visit will be complete.
The six gardens of Villandry, a harmonious and coherent whole.
If Villandry is known as the "Garden of France", it is first and foremost because of its remarkable formal gardens, perhaps the most beautiful in France along with those of the Château de Versailles.
This is undoubtedly what will make you come to Villandry and you can spend hours strolling through the alleys. The gardens of Villandry invite you to a colourful and harmonious journey in the heart of Touraine.
The Château de Villandry is located 25 minutes west of Tours, 15 minutes from Langeais, 40 minutes from Saumur, and 10 minutes by car from the railway station of Cinq-Mars-la-Pile.
Source : my Loire Valley
Photo : Tourmag
Château de Villandry
Les plus beaux jardins