Château de Villandry – Indre-et-Loire : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to one of France’s most interesting and well-preserved castles – Château de Villandry in Indre-et-Loire! This beautiful castle has been the subject of captivating stories throughout the centuries and has been the subject of admiration from visitors to the Loire Valley. In this blog post, we will provide interesting facts about Château de Villandry, information about its history and location, and also give you a few tips on your ideal travel guide for visiting this historic castle. So, let’s get started and explore the wonders of Château de Villandry!

Interesting Facts About Château de Villandry – Indre-et-Loire

1. Château de Villandry was originally called “Château de Gizeux” and was built in 1532 by French Renaissance architect Philibert de l´Orme.

2. In 1536, King Francis I bought the estate from Jean de Gizeux and renamed it Château de Villandry.

3. The castle was remodeled in an Italian Renaissance style in the early 19th century by Joachim Carvallo.

4. The gardens of Château de Villandry are renowned for their intricate and colorful geometric designs made from thousands of bright flowers.

5. The castle is a popular tourist attraction, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year.

6. The gardens are also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. The castle is home to a small museum which showcases the history of the castle and its gardens.

8. The castle has a boutique winery, producing limited quantities of Muscadet, White, and Red wines.

9. The castle is also known for its Sunday event called “Les Grandes Heures de Villandry”, which includes a theatrical production and various activities throughout the estate.

10. Château de Villandry is one of the most popular wedding venues in Europe, hosting hundreds of nuptials each year.

History & Information About Château de Villandry – Indre-et-Loire

Château de Villandry is a historic castle in the French commune of Villandry, in the department of Indre-et-Loire. It dates back to the Renaissance, and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1840. It is one of the most recognizable castles in the region, and one of the most visited in France, with close to 700,000 visitors each year.

History

The first reference to a château de Villandry dates back to the year 997, when it was owned by Isambert de Villandry. During the following centuries, the castle was owned by many influential families such as the Castellate family, the Le Carne family, and the Nogaret family.

In 1530, Jean le Breton, King Francis I’s Finance Minister, bought the castle and began extensive renovations. Jean le Breton decided to transform the medieval fortress into a luxurious estate. He destroyed the spotter tower and built a new building with Italian-style architecture. His grand plans included the construction of a terrace garden as well as a hedge maze.

In 1681, Pierre le Breton, Jean le Breton’s grandson, inherited the château, and decided to construct additional waterways and ponds in order to supply water to the garden. He also built a chapel dedicated to Saint Grainne which is now located in the North wing of the château.

During the 1700’s the château was passed down through several generations of the Breton family. In 1764, Emmanuel de Breton, the last descendant of this family, sold the château to Antoine Midy.

During the French revolution, the château was spared destruction thanks to Antoine Midy’s widow, who was able to prove that the château had been bought with her money.

In 1847, the château was purchased by Baron Erembert de Villandry, who initiated further renovations, and in 1902, his son, René de Vialandry, took over, and eventually opened the château to the public.

The castle is now owned by the Hugues and Jeanine de Colmont-Xaintrailles, who purchased it in 2006 and began restoring it to its original grandeur.

The Château Today

The château is now open to the public and offers guided tours of the estate. Visitors can explore the hall, the chapel, the gardens, the hedge maze, the water garden, and the terrace garden.

In addition to the guided tours, the château also offers educational programs, workshops, and special events throughout the year, such as a jazz concert in June, a theatrical night in July, a fireworks display in August, and a costume parade in October.

The gardens are especially notable for its stunning flower displays, which change throughout the year. The gardens have become one of the most photographed spots in France.

In 2003, the château was classified as a Historic Monument by the government of France.

Travel Guide For Visiting Château de Villandry – Indre-et-Loire

Château de Villandry is a magnificent 16th-century French castle located in Villandry, Indre-et-Loire, France. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and impressive castles in the Loire Valley, and is a popular tourist attraction for its French Renaissance architecture and stunning gardens. Here’s a guide to visiting Château de Villandry and what to expect.

Getting There:

Château de Villandry is situated about 120km southwest of Paris. It can be reached by car or bus (the château is located about a 20-minute drive along the Loire River from the nearest train station in Tours) or by train from Paris’s Gare d’Austerlitz. From the train station, take a train to Tours and get off when you see the signs for Villandry. It is a short ride of about 1.5 hours.

Opening Hours & Entrance Fees:

The Château de Villandry is open to the public from March to November from 9:30am to 6pm (last entry is at 5:30pm). The entrance fee for adults is 12 euros and children (ages 7 to 18) are admitted for 6 euros. Children under 6 are admitted for free.

What to See:

Château de Villandry offers guided tours of the château and its gardens. During the tour, you can see the impressive architecture of the castle, its ornate period furniture, and the grandeur of its courtrooms. Additionally, the castle offers a close look at the surrounding countryside and the beautiful landscape of the Loire Valley.

The château is most famous for its extensive gardens. The most popular gardens are the ornate Renaissance-style gardens, which consist of eight separate themed gardens. These include the potager or vegetable garden, the ornamental courtyard, the hedge garden, the puzzle garden, the quaternary garden, the water garden, the labyrinth, and the orchard garden. Each garden is easily accessible for visitors and provides plenty of opportunities for photography.

In addition to the castle and gardens, there are several other attractions in the area including the nearby city of Tours and the historic town of Blois. Be sure to check out the annual Villandry Medieval Festival in the summer as well.

Overall, if you are looking for a beautiful castle and a unique experience, Château de Villandry should be at the top of your list. Its architecture, gardens, and surrounding countryside offer something truly unique and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Château de Villandry – Indre-et-Loire

Q: Where is the Château de Villandry?
A: The Château de Villandry is located in Villandry, Indre-et-Loire, France.

Q: When was the Château de Villandry built?
A: The Château de Villandry was built in the 16th century.

Q: Who owns the Château de Villandry?
A: The Château de Villandry is owned by the Carvallo family.

Q: What can you do at the Château de Villandry?
A: Visitors can explore the castle as well as the beautiful gardens, featuring a gourmet garden, rose garden, water garden and maze.

Q: Are there any facilities at the Château de Villandry?
A: Yes, there is an onsite restaurant, gift shop, and educational centre.

Q: Is there an admission fee to enter the Château de Villandry?
A: Yes, tickets for adults cost 18€ and tickets for children are free.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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