Villandry, the emblematic gardens of the Loire Valley Landscape art at its peak

Welcome to the kingdom of the gardens of Villandry, where landscape art reaches its apogee in a ballet of shapes, colours and fragrances. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of these living tableaux, where the vegetable garden becomes a work of art, the boxwoods draw loving patterns, and each season brings its own share of wonder.

The fascinating history of the château and its gardens

On these lands in Touraine once stood a medieval fortress, of which only the keep remains today. In 1532, Jean Le Breton, Minister of Finance under François I, transformed the estate into a sumptuous Renaissance residence. The Marquis de Castellane added his touch in the 18th century, modernising the premises in keeping with the taste of his time.

The year 1906 marked a decisive turning point when Joachim Carvallo and his wife acquired the estate. Passionate, they undertook a meticulous restoration of the château and recreated the splendid gardens you admire today. A spectacular renaissance that lives on thanks to their grandson, perpetuating this family passion through the seasons.

The decorative vegetable garden

A checkerboard of flavours

Nine majestic squares unfurl below the château, a veritable plant checkerboard. The geometric patterns draw a living mosaic: the purple of the beetroot meets the tender green of the lettuces, while the silvery blue of the leeks dialogues with the orange of the squash.

Villandry is a philosophy, that of respect for living things, which outlaws the use of chemical treatments and makes it a 100%bio garden, a haven for biodiversity and LPO refuge. Finally, not to be missed, every summer the gardens are adorned with the soft glow of thousands of candles for enchanting nights of a thousand fires.

Every summer, the Night of a Thousand Fires transforms the gardens of Villandry into a fairytale setting. Thousands of candles light up the walkways, creating a magical atmosphere.

La Nuit des Mille Feux

Spectacles, entertainment and fireworks sublimate this unique evening, offering visitors a poetic immersion in one of the most beautiful gardens in France.

Find out more

And don't miss...

When should you visit the gardens?

Today and in all seasons, Villandry is a unique show that is constantly being renewed, a must-see icon for garden enthusiasts and for everyone else of course, seduced by this magnificent, graphic and harmoniously coloured plant tableau. From the château, the terraces or from the refreshing linden avenues, the views over the four garden levels are multiple and photogenic, especially for lovers in search of romantic memories.

Spring dresses the decorative garden with multicoloured tulips, while summer brings out the roses in the love garden. The warm hues of autumn transform the music garden into a golden symphony, and winter’s snow-covered topiaries draw enchanting patterns in the courtyard of honour.

In the garden of simples, medicinal plants bloom from May to October, perfuming the air with their delicate scents. The sun garden, the estate’s latest creation, offers an explosion of colour from early summer until the first frost. To make the most of the ornamental gardens, schedule your visit between April and September, when nature is at its most generous.

The simple garden and its secrets

Breathe in the bewitching aromas of sage and rosemary that transport you back to the medieval world of apothecaries. This fragrant haven, designed by Joachim Carvallo in the 1970s, continues the tradition of monastic gardens where each plant reveals its curative virtues.

The paths cross, lavender rubs shoulders with lemon balm, while topiaries pruned to the “Villandry” shape punctuate your walk. A botanical journey between tradition and modernity, where gardeners now grow over forty varieties of medicinal and condiment herbs.