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#villandrygardens

Top Tips for Visiting Château de Villandry

Château de Villandry, a UNESCO-listed gem in France's Loire Valley, captivates with its 16th-century Renaissance architecture and world-famous tiered gardens. Built in 1536 by Jean Le Breton on medieval foundations, it's famed for ornamental vegetable plots, love gardens symbolizing fidelity, and serene water features. Owned by the Carvallo family, it draws millions for its restored splendor.

Practical Visitor Tips
- Opening Hours (2025): Gardens open daily year-round (except Dec 25); château Feb 8–Nov 11, then Nov 29–Jan 4, 2026 (9 AM–6 PM typical, confirm seasonally).
- Tickets: Adults ~€12–€13 (gardens only €7); kids under 8 free, 8–18/students discounted. Buy on-site or online (no timed entry, but queue possible). Combo with Chinon/Azay-le-Rideau ~€36.50. Free entry during European Heritage Days (mid-Sept).
- Getting There: 15 km southwest of Tours. Free parking (cars/buses); campervans allowed daytime only. Bike via Loire à Vélo route; train/bus from Tours (Uber viable).
- What to Wear/Bring: Comfortable shoes for 2–3 hours walking (gardens span 9 hectares). No flash photos inside; non-commercial use only. Storage lockers for bags/helmets free at ticket office.

Must-See Highlights
1. Renaissance Gardens: Don't miss the Love Garden (heart shapes for romance), Vegetable Garden (geometric veggie plots—pick fallen fruit!), and Water Garden (fountains/ponds). Climb the belvedere for panoramic views of Maltese crosses and fleur-de-lis.
2. Château Interiors: Tour 12 rooms with fresh flowers, period furnishings, and a kitchen stocked with produce. Audio guides (€5) in multiple languages enhance history.
3. Family Fun: Kids 8–12 get a French-only garden treasure hunt book. Long visit suits older children; gardens may bore toddlers.

Pro Tips for an Epic Visit
- Best Time: Spring/summer for blooms; September's Vegetable Garden Days for events/seeds shop. Arrive early (opens 9 AM) to beat crowds—full visit 4–5 hours.
- Picnic & Accessibility: Picnic area 100m away (bring your own—bring chairs for gardens). Wheelchair-friendly paths; restrooms with baby facilities.
- Nearby: Pair with Azay-le-Rideau (10 km) or Tours. Re-entry allowed with stamped ticket for lunch breaks.

Villandry blends history and horticulture—budget a full morning!