Living in France has given me the chance to explore many Loire Valley castles, but none have captured me quite like Villandry Castle. While others impress with towers and halls, Villandry steals the spotlight with its breathtaking Renaissance gardens.
Arriving at Villandry Castle
The first time I visited, I wasn’t expecting much. From the outside, Villandry looks elegant but not overly grand. But then I climbed up onto the terrace, and suddenly the magic unfolded.
Below me stretched the famous Villandry Castle gardens—a living tapestry of flowers, hedges, and patterns so precise they looked stitched into the earth. It was one of those rare moments where I just stopped and whispered: wow.
Exploring the Villandry Castle Gardens
The gardens are what make Villandry truly unforgettable. Each section is carefully designed, not only for beauty but also for meaning.
The Love Garden – My favorite part, where patterns of flowers represent tender love, passionate love, fickle love, and even tragic love.
The Vegetable Garden – Rows of cabbages, lettuces, and herbs arranged so perfectly they look like embroidery.
The Water Garden – A peaceful area with ponds and fountains that reflect the sky.
The Sun Garden – Open and cheerful, perfect for a slow stroll.
Every season changes the look of the gardens. Spring brings tulips, summer fills every corner with life, and autumn adds a golden glow. Each visit feels new.
Inside Villandry Castle
After hours outdoors, I stepped inside the château. The rooms felt welcoming, less intimidating than other castles I’ve visited. Joachim Carvallo and his wife Ann Coleman restored both the interiors and the gardens in the early 20th century, and it’s thanks to them that Villandry is now such a gem.
Why Villandry Castle Is My Favorite
For me, Villandry isn’t just a castle to see—it’s one to experience. I love how alive it feels. The gardens change with the seasons, the light shifts through the day, and every visit reveals something new. Whenever I think of the Loire Valley, it’s Villandry that comes to mind first.
Practical Information for Visiting Villandry Castle
📍 Location: Villandry is just 15 km from Tours, in the Loire Valley, France.
🚗 By Car: About 20 minutes from Tours, with free parking near the château.
🚆 By Train: Take a train to Tours or Langeais, then continue by bus or taxi.
🚌 By Bus: Summer shuttles often connect Tours with Villandry.
⏰ How long to spend: At least 2–3 hours to explore fully.
For official opening times and ticket prices, visit the Villandry Castle official website.
Tips for Visiting Villandry Castle Gardens
Over the times I’ve visited Villandry, I’ve picked up a few little tips that make the experience even better:
🌸 Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April–May): The tulip displays are stunning, and the vegetable garden starts to come alive.
Summer (June–August): Everything is at its fullest—flowers, greenery, and long days to explore. It’s also when the castle hosts its magical Nuits des Mille Feux (Nights of a Thousand Lights), when the gardens are lit by thousands of candles.
Autumn (September–October): My personal favorite—the golden light and harvest colors make the gardens glow, and there are fewer crowds.
Winter: Quieter, but the gardens lose much of their vibrancy. Still, the château itself is open, and it can feel more intimate.
⏰ When During the Day:
I recommend going in the late afternoon. The light is softer, perfect for photos, and the atmosphere becomes calmer once the day-trippers leave. If you climb up to the terrace around golden hour, the gardens look like they’re on fire with color.
📷 Photo Spots:
Don’t miss the view from the terraces above the gardens—that’s where you really see the tapestry-like patterns. The Water Garden also makes for dreamy reflections, especially if you catch a still moment.
🥖 Bring a Picnic:
There’s a shady area near the car park where you can sit, or you can head down to the banks of the Loire nearby. After strolling the gardens, nothing beats enjoying some bread, cheese, and a bottle of local wine.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes:
The gardens cover several hectares, and you’ll be walking on gravel paths and stairs. It’s not difficult, but you’ll definitely want comfortable shoes for wandering.
⏳ How Long to Stay:
Give yourself at least 2–3 hours. I always lose track of time here—it’s not the kind of place you want to rush.
Final Thoughts
Every château in the Loire Valley has its charm, but Villandry is unmatched when it comes to gardens. Each season tells a different story, and every visit feels new.
If you’re planning a Loire Valley trip, I recommend pairing Villandry with Château de Chambord for grandeur, Chenonceau Castle for romance, and Château d’Azay-le-Rideau for intimate charm. Together, they make for an unforgettable journey through history, architecture, and beauty.
✨ Have you visited Villandry Castle? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experience!