Villandry Castle and Gardens

Spend a leisurely morning exploring the Château de Villandry, the last great Renaissance château built along the Loire Valley, where a 12th-century medieval keep stands alongside elegant 16th-century galleries. The real highlight lies outside — six hectares of meticulously restored formal gardens divided into ornamental kitchen plots, symbolic love gardens, a tranquil water garden, and a hedge maze perfect for wandering. Allow at least two hours to do justice to both the period-furnished interiors and the garden terraces, where elevated walkways offer sweeping views over the geometric plantings and the Cher valley beyond. The château interior closes from early January to early February and mid-November onward, so check seasonal hours before your visit.