Visit Villandry Castle
- Listed Historical Monument
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Val de Loire
- View current availability
- Ticket delivered immediately after validation
- Mobile ticket accepted
Discover the art of Renaissance gardens recreated within the Château de Villandry. This geometric botanical masterpiece offers six thematic spaces in perpetual seasonal evolution, located just 15 km from Tours.
Tickets for Château de Villandry
Prices and conditions
Château de Villandry: Entry Ticket
From 8,50 €.
Visit one of the most popular châteaux in France and its magnificent gardens.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We arrived right at opening with our kids and had the perfect morning light to photograph the Love Garden. The precision of the geometric patterns is stunning. The audio guide helped us understand Joachim Carvallo's work, a rare find. A truly magical moment, definitely worth coming back to."
"We reached the site via the Loire by Bike route, which is super convenient with the secure parking right by the entrance. The six gardens offer incredible variety, especially the Embroidery Garden, which imitates a Renaissance tapestry. The 8.50 € price tag is very reasonable given that the visit has no time limit."
"The gardens are absolutely beautiful, dreamlike and perfectly maintained. However, the inside of the château felt a bit austere compared to what we expected, less ornate than other Loire châteaux. But the view of the Water Garden from the belvedere was really worth it. A lovely getaway."
"An architectural and botanical gem. We particularly loved the Vegetable Garden, where ancient vegetables and rare fruits coexist in rigorously arranged plots. The staff is attentive and the explanatory signs are very educational. It's the last palace of the Loire, a must-see before leaving."
"Moved by the faithful 1906 reconstruction, we took the time to read the plaques about the Villandry Château. Autumn here is magnificent, the golden foliage contrasts beautifully with the green of the parterres. The Geometry Garden is a mathematical work of art. Thank you for this historical immersion."
"A nice discovery for a family weekend. The kids loved the Garden of Elements with its symbolic structures. Note: in summer, it gets very crowded after 10am, so it's better to arrive early like we did. The château itself is a bit understated, but the gardens more than make up for it."
"An almost surreal experience. The Love Garden tells the story of romantic passion through sculpted parterres, it's poetic. We visited solo, the tranquility of the place invites contemplation. The morning light was perfect for flash-free photos. Highly recommended."
"We came as a couple for our anniversary and it was perfect. The sweeping view of the entire garden complex from the terraces is spectacular. The Embroidery Garden, a replica of a Renaissance tapestry, amazed us with its precision. The entry ticket at 8.50 € offers excellent value for this day out."
"The gardens are of rare excellence, the maintenance is impeccable. We appreciated the calm of the Water Garden, lined with cypresses and far from the crowds. On the other hand, cycling here from Tours requires careful route planning. The site has been a Listed Historic Monument since 1934, which explains the quality of the conservation."
"As a foreign tourist, I was moved by the garden reconstruction by Dr. Carvallo. The Vegetable Garden with its ancient vegetables is a fascinating curiosity. Our guide Camille, very friendly, shared the site's history with us, from medieval fortress to Renaissance jewel. An unforgettable visit."
"I visited the gardens in winter, a period often underestimated. The architectural structure of the 6 hectares comes through very well without the spring flowers. The Geometry Garden still has a strong presence. The inside of the château is a bit short, but the outside is of extraordinary richness. Will come back in spring."
"Undoubtedly the must-see visit of the valley. The Villandry Gardens are a daydream, colorful and geometric. We enjoyed the sunset, it had a truly magical atmosphere. The Love Garden remains the highlight of the show. The price is well justified by the length of the visit and the beauty of the place."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
37510 Villandry, France
Centre-Val de Loire
Villandry · Indre-et-Loire (37). Accessible via A10 exit Tours-Ouest then D910. Free on-site parking.
Opening Hours
Open every day from April to October. Closed on certain days during the low season (November-March). Check exact hours before your visit.
Prices
Children under 6 free. Reduced rates for groups and schools. Book online to guarantee your spots.
Visit Duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Partial access to gardens via flat paths; verification recommended for the interior of the castle.
Family
An educational venue suitable for families, but not designed as an active playground.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Weather in Villandry
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover Villandry Castle
A heritage site classified since 1934
The last great Loire Valley castle built during the Renaissance
1906
Reconstruction by J. Carvallo
6 hectares
Garden area
16th century
Castle construction
1934
Historic Monument Classification
Located in the UNESCO Loire Valley, the estate embodies the end of the French First Renaissance. The current gardens are a faithful reconstruction carried out in 1906 by Joachim Carvallo, based on plans by Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. This heritage work combines 16th-century architecture and geometric botany, classified as a historic monument in 1934.
History of Villandry Castle
The original site was a medieval fortress named 'Colombiers', dating from the 12th century. Jean le Breton acquired the estate in 1532 and decided to demolish this old structure to build a modern palace. He thus commissioned the construction of the last great castle erected on the banks of the Loire in the 16th century, marking the transition to the Italian Renaissance.
The architecture reflects the aesthetic research of the First Renaissance in France, with strong Italian influence. The building serves as the perfect frame for the gardens that flourish around it. After a period of decline in the 18th and 19th centuries, the estate threatened to disappear forever.
It is thanks to the action of Dr. Joachim Carvallo that the site was revived. Starting in 1906, he led a patient reconstruction by studying ancient engravings by Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. The entire complex was listed as a historic monument in 1927 and then definitively classified in 1934, preserving this masterpiece for posterity and its current UNESCO status.
What to see in the gardens
The estate offers six distinct gardens spread over more than six hectares and four levels of terraces. Among them, the Garden of Love and the Geometry Garden are particularly famous for their mathematical precision. Each thematic space constantly evolves with the seasons, offering a living spectacle.
The kitchen garden at Villandry is a major attraction, blending utility and aesthetics with its squares of vegetables and edible flowers. The plant embroidery here is worked with exceptional meticulousness, using low plants such as thyme or rosemary. These creations require rigorous maintenance throughout the year.
Beyond the greenery, the castle itself deserves a careful visit for its carefully furnished interior. It recreates the warm atmosphere of a family home from the Renaissance. Art collections and historical pieces complete the immersion into the world of Jean le Breton and his successors.
Practical tips for your visit
It is recommended to allow about two and a half to three hours to fully enjoy the site. Arriving right at opening allows you to photograph the gardens without crowds, especially in summer. Wear comfortable shoes as the paved paths and gentle slopes require prolonged walking.
The site is accessible via the Loire à Vélo route, with a secure bike parking area near the entrance. Free lockers are available after the ticket office for storing bags and helmets. Photos are allowed inside the castle but strictly forbidden with flash to protect the artworks.
The best time to visit is from April to October when the flowers burst with color. However, each season offers a different aspect: the winter structure reveals the pure geometry of the parterres. Check the opening hours chateau villandry before your visit as they vary during the off-season.
The Renaissance Gardens
Six hectares of reconstructed floral geometry
Tips for Visiting the Château de Villandry
Insider Tips
Arrive at Opening
To photograph the gardens without crowds, arrive right at opening, especially in summer. Morning light highlights the colors of the flowers and the geometric shapes of the parterres. You will thus enjoy a calm atmosphere conducive to contemplation before the arrival of large tourist groups.
No Flash Photos
Respect the strict rule: no flash inside the castle to preserve artworks and antique furniture. Use natural light abundant in the furnished rooms to capture the warm atmosphere of this family home. Always check specific conditions if you use a tripod or professional equipment.
Come by Bike
Use the Loire à Vélo route to reach the castle, located only 15 km from Tours. A secure bike parking is available near the entrance, with free lockers after the ticket office to store your personal belongings. It's an ecological and pleasant way to approach this exceptional site while also discovering the riverside landscapes.
Observe the Seasons
Each season transforms the gardens: spring for vibrant colors, autumn for golden foliage, winter for the pure structure of the yews. Plan your visit according to your aesthetic preferences, knowing that the period from April to October offers the most beautiful blooms. Winter, meanwhile, reveals the architectural rigor of the parterres.
Explore the 6 Gardens
Don't limit yourself to the famous Garden of Love; also discover the Embroidery Garden and the Geometry Garden. Each thematic space tells a different part of the history of Renaissance gardens. Take the time to climb up to the upper terraces to benefit from the best panoramic views.
Understand the Reconstruction
Take the time to read the signs explaining the work of Joachim Carvallo to appreciate the historical fidelity. These details greatly enrich the visit by showing how the plans of Jacques Androuet du Cerceau were interpreted. Understanding this restoration approach gives a new dimension to the admiration of the gardens.
Official Shop
Locate the shop near the exit to buy books on the history of gardens or exclusive souvenirs. You will also find reproductions of original plans and detailed guides to deepen your knowledge of the site. It's the ideal opportunity to bring back a meaningful souvenir of your visit.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The six hectares feature paved paths and gentle slopes; comfort is key for a long visit. Plan for shoes suitable for prolonged walking, especially if you intend to explore all levels of the terraces. Good physical preparation will allow you to fully enjoy the recommended two and a half hours.
Ready to book?
With these tips in mind, make the most of your visit to Château de Villandry. Check the cancellation conditions before booking.
Book my ticketsDid you know?
Little-known anecdotes
Renaissance of a lost garden
The current gardens are a faithful reconstruction carried out from 1906 by Dr. Joachim Carvallo. He spent years studying old engravings by Jacques Androuet du Cerceau to faithfully recreate the gardens that had disappeared since the 18th century, transforming a wasteland into a botanical masterpiece.
The Last Loire Palace
The Château de Villandry is considered the last great castle built on the Loire in the 16th century. This construction marks the end of the First French Renaissance, bringing a final touch to the architectural research of the time while heralding later achievements at Ancy-le-Franc and Écouen.
From Colombiers to Villandry
Before becoming the Renaissance jewel we know today, the site was initially a medieval fortress named 'Colombiers'. The current castle is the last of the great palaces built on the banks of the Loire in the 16th century, marking the end of the First French Renaissance.
Historic Monument Classification
The entire castle and its gardens were listed in the inventory of historic monuments in 1927, before being definitively classified on September 4, 1934. This classification recognizes the exceptional heritage value of the site, which is now an integral part of UNESCO's World Heritage in the Loire Valley.
An Impressive Area
With more than six hectares of maintained gardens, the Villandry estate offers an unusual scale for a Renaissance garden. This area allows for a variety of botanical and architectural pleasures, offering visitors a total immersion in the art of 16th-century gardens reconstructed with remarkable precision.
Hidden Hydraulic Engineering
Beneath the geometric parterres, a complex network of pipes and pumps feeds the fountains. Dr. Joachim Carvallo, during his restoration starting in 1906, had to reinvent this invisible system so that water would jet with the mathematical precision desired by Renaissance architects, turning the ground into a discreet but essential hydraulic machine for the site's aesthetics.
Plan your visit to Villandry Castle
Three itineraries depending on time available
The Essence of Villandry
- 9:00 AM: Arrival and entry into the estate to avoid morning queues.
- 9:30 AM-12:00 PM: Complete tour of the six themed gardens and the castle interior.
- 12:30 PM: Picnic lunch in the park or quiet meal in the neighboring village.
- 2:00 PM: Digestive walk around the terraces and souvenir shopping in the shop.
Villandry and Tours
- Morning: Total immersion in the gardens of Villandry Castle and its history.
- Noon: Lunch in Tours, city center accessible in 15 minutes by road.
- Afternoon: Quick discovery of Saint-Gatien Cathedral or the Tours Market Hall.
- End of day: Return to Villandry for a final sunset stroll.
Touraine and Loire à Vélo
- Day 1: Check-in and detailed visit of Villandry Castle.
- Day 2: Bike rental and ride along the Loire à Vélo route between Villandry and Chinon.
- Day 3: Visit another nearby castle such as Cheverny or Azay-le-Rideau before departure.
- Evening: Gastronomic dinner highlighting local products from the Centre-Val de Loire region.
Touraine Châteaux Pass
Discover the castles of the Loire Valley, Chenonceau, Amboise, and Da Vinci's Clos Lucé on a small-group day tour (maximum 7 pe…
From 16 €
See also
More must-see experiences in Villandry
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Villandry Castle
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Saint-Martin Church of Villandry
2 min walk
Former 12th-century castle chapel, it offers an unobstructed view of the castle from its bell tower. Take advantage of this to admire the roofs of the Loire Valley.
Le Clos des Tilleuls
5 min walk
Local gourmet restaurant offering dishes prepared with fresh products from Touraine. Ideal for savoring a refined lunch after your visit.
Tours Museum of Fine Arts
15 min drive
Rich collection ranging from Antiquity to the 20th century, ideal for completing your cultural day. Discover unique pieces in this private museum.
Tours Covered Market
15 min drive
Historic covered market to taste a typical lunch or buy local specialties. A must-stop in Tours for lovers of regional produce.
Parc de la Gloriette
10 min drive
Shaded promenade near the center of Tours, perfect for a digestive pause after your visit. Stroll along the Loire in all tranquility.
How to get to Villandry Castle
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Bus : Villandry Centre (4 min walk)
- From Tours - Val de Loire Airport 18,1 km → 49 min
- From Savonnières 3,2 km → 14 min
- From Tours 14,6 km → 41 min
- From Saint-Pierre-des-Corps 16,5 km → 46 min
- From Aéroport de Tours - Val de Loire 18,1 km → 80 min
- From Savonnières 3,2 km → 21 min
- From Tours 14,6 km → 66 min
- From Saint-Pierre-des-Corps 16,5 km → 74 min
- From Aéroport de Tours - Val de Loire 18,1 km → 63 min
- From Savonnières 3,2 km → 14 min
- From Tours 14,6 km → 52 min
- From Saint-Pierre-des-Corps 16,5 km → 58 min
- From Aéroport de Tours - Val de Loire 18,1 km → 86 min
- From Savonnières 3,2 km → 17 min
- From Tours 14,6 km → 69 min
- From Saint-Pierre-des-Corps 16,5 km → 78 min
Accommodation
Find a hotel near Villandry Castle
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your visit
Booking
Visit
Practical Info
Accessibility
Villandry Castle on video
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
Villandry Castle in pictures
See what to expect during your visit
Villandry Castle vs other Loire Valley castles
Quick comparison with other major sites
| Villandry Castle | Chambord Castle | Chenonceau Castle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year created | 16th century (reconstructed 1906) | 16th century | 16th century |
| Garden area | 6 hectares | Forest park | Hanging gardens |
| Adult price | ~€19.90 | ~€14.80 | ~€16.50 |
| Visit duration | 2h30-3h | 2h-3h | 2h-2h30 |
| Special feature | Renaissance geometric gardens | Massive architecture and double helix staircase | Castle built over the Cher river |