| A superb reminder of the spirit of the gardens of the Renaissance,
the gardens of the Chateau de Villandry were restored at the beginning
of the 20th Century by Dr. J. Carvallo, the owner since 1906, using plans
left by the architect DuCerceau.
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The three levels of the garden are irrigated by a canal broken
by bridges and small waterfalls. The gardens are dominated by a
hillside excavated into terraces wreathed with arbors which provide
wonderful views over the whole of the property. From this belvedere
one can appreciate the view of the "ornamental garden" built in
four squares bordered by boxwoods, a rectangle shaped like the Cross
of Malta. On the other bank of the canal, the second boxwood "salon",
symbolically evokes music. |
The elevated water garden with its great basin (90x75m) which
when it is full empties into the canal, is surrounded by a "cloister"
of greenery. The common garden, in the Middle Ages consecrated to
aromatic plants, medicinal plants, and spices contains thirty or
so varieties. The decorative kitchen garden, its squares bordered
by a cordon of fruit trees, is planted in vegetables of colors harmoniously
chosen to evoke the monastic spirit of the Middle Ages and the esthetic
of Italy in the 16th century, with its fountains, tunnels and flowery
patches. |
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Our impressions:
First, great frustration at not being able to enter the ornamental garden
or the kitchen garden which were only available for viewing to visitors
from the belvedere or from the principal alleys which divide the three
kinds of gardens. The labyrinth is too easy and can be learned in a jiffy
by any child who knows how to play the game of "treasure map". In the
off season, the kitchen garden is not available to the public. Don't be
afraid to go to the toilets. The ten francs written on the wall refers
to the price of the print of the engraving of the chateau sold at the
gift shop. The caretaker asks for only a small sum and generously rewards
you with smiles and goodwill.
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Sy.M.
Practical Details:
Gardens of the Chateau de Villandry 37510, 15km west of Tours on
the D7
telephone:02 47 50 02 09
tickets: 33f for adults, children under 12, 22f
Chateau and gardens, 45f demonstrations are free with the exceptions
of concerts
SEE ALSO
our special page about the Château
de Villandry |
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France :