Château de Villandry travel guide

The Château de Villandry, a Renaissance marvel, has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century.

Constructed by Jean Le Breton, a finance minister under Francis I, it was the last of the grand Renaissance châteaux to be built along the Loire River. The castle remained in the Le Breton family for over two centuries until it was acquired by the Marquis de Castellane in the 18th century, who introduced classical architecture.

In the early 20th century, the château was purchased by Dr. Joachim Carvallo, who dedicated his life to restoring the estate and creating what is now one of the most admired gardens in France. The château is particularly renowned for its impeccable decorative kitchen garden, where vegetables are grown in intricate geometric patterns, and its grand water garden.

Today, the Château de Villandry stands as a testament to the Renaissance period, its stunning architecture, and its breathtaking gardens, attracting tourists from around the world.

Château de Villandry is distinguished by its renowned Renaissance gardens, which are considered among the best in the world. The gardens are divided into three levels, each with a different theme: the ornamental garden, the water garden, and the vegetable garden. The ornamental garden is characterized by precise geometric patterns, while the water garden features a large reflective pool surrounded by lawns, trees, and flowers. The vegetable garden, remarkably, serves as a decorative garden with its vibrant array of vegetables arranged in diamond-shaped patterns. Each of these gardens is a masterpiece of landscape design, perfectly harmonized with the château's architecture. Additionally, the château’s interiors are as impressive as its exteriors. They house an array of period furniture and artwork, which provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the French nobility during the Renaissance period. A unique feature of the property is a dovecote, capable of housing over 1,000 birds, reflecting the status and wealth of the estate's historical owners. Lastly, the château stands out for its commitment to environmental sustainability, with practices such as natural pest control and rainwater collection implemented.

Located in the dynamic Villandry, the popular Château de Villandry is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Tours or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through France.

Tours is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Tours offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Tours and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Jardin botanique de Tours, Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, Vieux Tours, Prébendes d'Oé Garden, and Petrified Caves.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Tours has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Tours, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in France!

Château de Villandry is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Tours, France. If you're flying in, Tours Val de Loire Airport is approximately 11.7 miles (18.8 km) away from Tours. From there, you can easily reach Château de Villandry by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Tours, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Château de Villandry, which is located 8.9 miles (14.3 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Château de Villandry, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Château de Villandry!

The best time to explore Château de Villandry, a jewel of the Loire Valley, is from April to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, the gardens are in full bloom, and the castle is open to the public daily. Peak season runs from July to August, offering the most vibrant displays in the gardens but also attracting a larger number of visitors. However, visiting in the shoulder seasons (April-June, September-October) provides a balance of mild weather and fewer crowds. The 'Nights of Thousand Lights' in July and August where the gardens are illuminated with thousands of candles is a unique spectacle not to be missed. Additionally, the 'Vegetable Garden Days' in September provide a delightful opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the kitchen garden. To avoid queues, it's advisable to book tickets in advance. Lastly, remember that the first Wednesday of every month offers free admission to the gardens, but expect larger crowds on these days.

There's no better way to discover the wonders of Château de Villandry and other top attractions in Tours than with a perfectly planned holiday package! Travel packages to Tours include everything you need to fully immerse yourself in Château de Villandry's wonders and in the beauty and history of the region. These packages offer the perfect opportunity to delve into Château de Villandry and experience a variety of activities and destinations tailored to suit all types of travelers.

Keep reading to discover the best travel plans and insider tips for uncovering the charm of this one-of-a-kind château in France.

Conveniently explore Château de Villandry and plenty more captivating attractions in Tours by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Château de Villandry and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Tours has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Château de Villandry below.

Aside from Château de Villandry, Tours is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Tours, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Jardin botanique de Tours, Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, and Vieux Tours.

Jardin botanique de Tours is a bucket-list park and top attraction in Tours, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,500 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Jardin botanique de Tours is 33 Bd Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France.

Another appreciated attraction in Tours is Cathédrale Saint-Gatien. Like Jardin botanique de Tours, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 5,200 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this church is Pl. De la Cathédrale, 37000 Tours, France.

Vieux Tours is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Tours. This establishment and top attraction in Tours has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,500 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Jard Saint-Pierre le Puellier, 37000 Tours, France.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Tours below.