CASTLE AND GARDENS OF VILLANDRY

The last of the great castles built during the Renaissance, this building, built on a platform surrounded by a moat, follows the typical layout of the period: a main building flanked by two wings in return. Profoundly altered in the ^18th century by its purchaser Michel-Ange de Castellane, it was not until the beginning of the ^20th century that Joachim Carvallo restored its original character by removing the architectural additions. He also restored the gardens, 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, guaranteed pesticide-free, are among the most beautiful in France. They are still maintained by his descendants. Moreover, the team of ten gardeners offers its vegetable harvest to visitors at the end of the season. It is also possible to taste these products on the spot, at the castle's restaurant La Douce Terrasse. "Villandry en famille" allows the youngest 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 visit of the castle! On the agenda, don't miss the "Nuits de Mille Feux", where 2,000 candles illuminate the gardens in an exceptional way! And in winter, the Christmas decorations in the Pays des Châteaux are just as unmissable!