Some châteaux impress with towers and scale, others with what surrounds them. At Villandry, the gardens are every bit as important as the château itself. Under a cloudless blue sky, the formal parterres stretch out in precise patterns. Beautiful to wander through, although on days like this the elegance comes with a warning, there is very little shade once you step into the gardens and summer heat can turn a leisurely visit into a warm one.
Villandry is often described as the final great Renaissance château built in the Loire Valley. Rather than defensive architecture, its lasting reputation rests on the ornamental gardens recreated in the early 20th century, now among the most recognisable in France.
Bon lundi.
“Each château tells a story — of kings, of artists and of the dream of France itself.”
Part of the “Châteaux of the Loire” Series
Every Monday, we explore one of the Loire Valley's legendary châteaux — from royal residences to riverside retreats — each revealing a different chapter of the region's story.
Discover more about the Loire Valley
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