Chateau Villandry is in the Loire Valley of France built on the banks of the Loire River.

We visited Villandry in 2011 and were pleasantly surprised by the geometric gardens and the chateau itself.

The Villandry estate has been in the Carvallo family since 1906. At the beginning of the 20th century, Joachim Carvallo rebuilt the Renaissance gardens which had been previously replaced by an English landscape park in the 19th century. The Château of Villandry is a friendly, family property.

If the start of the tour was anything to go by then it was going to be great.  We parked, walked up to the entrance and found a lovely tent area with a restaurant serving the most delicious foods.  Well it was lunch time so to fortify ourselves for the tour we decided to stop and eat.  On the wall behind us was an espaliered Pierre de Ronsard rose, not bad for a tourist restaurant.  The wine was so nice I had to take a photo.  The French really do know how to treat a tourist.  It was lovely!

With renewed strength we were enthusiastic about the upcoming Chateau.

There are four garden areas to wander through, the most striking is the ornamental garden.  In this garden the boxwood forms different shapes from hearts, spirals, fans and more.  This garden is also called “Allegories of Love”.  I must admit I was really fascinated with this garden and how magical it looked in contrast to the whiteness of the chateau.

Villandry Chateau

Villandry Forecourt

Beautiful drop

Panorama Villandry

Ornamental garden Villandry

Ornamental garden

Garden view room

Ornamental garden Villandry

There is also the Chateau’s kitchen garden which is decorated with both flowers and vegetables in a checkerboard design.

The water garden “Haven of Peace” is in the most relaxed setting and gives you a sense of calmness.  You could just sit here and relax all day without a care in the world with the sound of the fountains surrounding you.

Gardens Villandry

Gardens Villandry

Gardens Villandry

Haven of Peace

Maze Villandry

Grape Vines Villandry

Gardens Villandry

Gardens Villandry

Gardens Villandry

Gardens Villandry

The last garden is the sun garden which has culinary and medicinal plants.  There is also a hedge maze for the kids to rummage through although I must admit I really enjoyed it.

I recommend to anyone that has the chance to visit France, to go to the Loire Valley, a magical visit.

This is part of Eds Sunday Stills.  Press the link here to see more of this weeks challenge photos: Flower Gardens.