chateau et jardins de villandry

The Château de Villandry and its French gardens

Domaine du Golf - Saumur (49)

Our Domaine du Golf residence in Saumur, in the heart of the countryside, is the ideal starting point to fully appreciate the charm of the castles of Touraine, including one of the most prestigious: the Château de Villandry and its French gardens. The Château de Villandry is located 45 minutes by car from the Domaine du Golf and is close to the Château de Langeais (easy access by motorway).

Family outing to the Loire Valley Castle near Tours

The Château de Villandry is the last of the great castles built during the Renaissance in the Loire Valley. The estate of Villandry, owned by the Carvalho family, is one of the most visited castles in France. A former fortress that has been completely destroyed, this castle was designed by Jean Le Breton, Secretary of State to François I, who had already supervised and directed the construction of the Château de Chambord for many years.

During your weekend rental, explore the nooks and crannies of the chateau and its Renaissance gardens in a family spirit where free entertainment awaits young and old alike! Completed around 1536, Villandry is the last of the great châteaux built on the banks of the Loire, in the purest Renaissance style.

The interior of the castle, although less popular than the gardens, is of great interest, so make the most of your stay as a group or in pairs to visit it. Most of the interior was redesigned during the 18th century. It has a magnificent staircase and a Moorish ceiling in one of the kingdom rooms. From the windows, the view of the dungeon gardens is the most impressive part of the tour. The sober elegance of its architecture combined with the charm of its remarkable gardens make this monument one of the jewels of world heritage.

chateau et jardins de villandry
Photo credit: château and gardens of Villandry
Les Jardins du Château de Villandry - f.paillet
The Gardens of the Château de Villandry – Photo credit: f.paillet

French gardens and the exceptional beauty of organic vegetable gardens

Dominated by an elegant 16th century castle, the gardens of Villandry are the main attraction for visitors thanks to the beauty of the decorative vegetable garden which makes it so unique. Purple basil, red chillies, blue leeks, so many varieties to contemplate… ideal for a romantic weekend with your partner, with or without children in this place conducive to love.

For gardening enthusiasts, take a look at the interpretation stations that will help you better understand the Renaissance gardens and the plants in the Villandry kitchen garden in the Centre region. As for the maintenance of the site, a team of 10 gardeners and its head gardener Laurent Portuguez, take care of it all year round. Play at getting lost in the labyrinth of this Loire Valley castle and spend an unforgettable moment in the children’s garden thanks to the many games available all year round!

Interestingly, most of the extensive ornamental gardens are laid out in the French style with carefully trimmed boxwood hedges and consist of several areas devoted to different themes. An unforgettable experience not to be missed this summer!