Description
The Chateau de Villandry is one of the castles of the Loire. Set at about fifteen miles west of Tours, it is famous for its architecture but also by the restoration work of Joachim Carvallo. If the interior is mostly 18th century, the outside offers a splendid view around three gardens including an ornamental garden, a water garden and a decorative vegetable.
Chateau de Villandry, from Renaissance to Joachim Carvallo
The Chateau de Villandry is initially known to be the place of the Colombiers peace. In 1189, Henry II, king of England, acknowledged there his defeat by Philippe Auguste, king of France. It became the symbol of the victory of the Capetian monarchy on the feudal system.
Property of the families Craon then Chabot, the Château de Villandry was bought by Jean le Breton, Finance Minister of Francis 1st in 1532. He provides the impetus for rebuilding the castle which will be completed in 1536. It is one of the last castles built on the banks of the Loire at this time.
In 1754, the ambassador of Louis XV, the Marquis de Castelanne acquired the property and added comfort. Therefore, the octagonal Renaissance style staircase was replaced by a stone staircase with a wrought iron railing style Louis XV.
During the 19th century the castle passed from hand to hand from a slaver from Nantes to the Napoleon familly. The highlight was the restructuring of the gardens which had become the main beauty of the site.
In 1906, the castle of Villandry passed into the hands of a Spanish Doctor, Joachim Carvallo whose current owners are descendants. It is truly the savior of the castle which was falling into disuse and gradually taking the leading role in his conviction to open monuments to the public. He was the architect of the gardens, scenic wonders.
Château de Villandry, exceptional gardens
Architecturally, the castle only survived through the dungeon built in the 14th century. The Chateau de Villandry in its Renaissance appearance is the layer, in a bigger size, of the Villesavin castle. In the 18th century, the common mansard roofs and houses are built. The Chateau de Villandry was included in the list of historic monuments in 1927 and classified in 1934.
But the main interest of the visit of the castle of Villandry remains the French gardens, replicas of the 14th century. They are spread over three levels with a water garden with waterfalls on the upper terrace, surrounded by hedges, a garden ornament made of boxwood and yew topiary. In the lower part, there is a vegetable garden, with a real embroidered structure.
The access to the lookout offers a magnificent view of the craftsmanship. Each part represents a sentimental symbol such as the separate hearts, small flames representing tender love, or the blades of daggers depicting tragic love and rivalry in love.
The walk will lose you in a labyrinth of charms that will lead you to a herb garden, terraces with flower or the sun garden and its three green areas. This garden, with its fountains, has been awarded the Outstanding Garden label and is the jewel of the castle of Villandry.
The Chateau de Villandry is really a place to stop over when you visit the castles of the Loire Valley.
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