CASTLE AND GARDENS OF VILLANDRY

The last of the great castles built during the Renaissance, this edifice, built on a platform surrounded by a moat, follows the typical layout of the period: a main building flanked by two wings in return. It was profoundly remodelled in the 18th century by its purchaser Michelangelo de Castellane, but it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that Joachim Carvallo restored it to its original character by removing the architectural additions. He also endeavoured to reconstruct the gardens by drawing inspiration from reference works on Renaissance art, borrowing the vegetable garden from the monastic tradition and the ornaments from the Italian influence. Today, these gardens, which are among the most beautiful in France, are still maintained by his descendants. The gardeners offer their vegetable harvest to visitors at the end of the season. Possibility of tasting on the spot at the restaurant of the château La Douce Terrasse. "Villandry en famille" (Villandry with the family) allows the youngest visitors to enjoy the visit in a playful and active way during which they will discover the place, the gardens and their work while having fun. The François I room is accessible as part of the tour of the château! In summer, the Nights of a Thousand Fires, and in winter, Christmas in the Land of Castles are magical moments.