Visiting Villandry
Villandry is a charming village in the Indre-et-Loire department, located in the heart of the Centre-Val-de-Loire region. Situated just a short distance from Tours, it sits along the Cher River, offering tranquil riverside walking paths. Naturally, the village is best known for the château and gardens of Villandry, which rank among the most popular destinations in the Touraine area.
The château and its gardens, Renaissance jewels
Villandry is a mandatory stop on any tour of the Loire Valley castles. Its impressive château, built between 1532 and 1536, draws nearly 300,000 visitors each year. It stands as the final Renaissance-style residence constructed along the banks of the Loire, having undergone various renovations and transformations throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The château still captures attention today for its architectural elegance and the quality of its interior decor and furnishings. Six terraced gardens, including formal French gardens, English-style gardens, water gardens, and a vegetable garden, surround the property and add to its stature. Every July, do not miss the Nuit des Mille Feux. Over 2,000 candles illuminate the Villandry estate, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. It is an ideal way to experience the château and gardens from a fresh perspective.
By bike or on foot
There is more to see around the village than just the château. Villandry is part of the Loire à Vélo cycling route, a favorite among bike enthusiasts. The network covers 446 kilometers, allowing you to connect various Loire castles at your own pace. Cycling is easily the best way to explore the village and its surroundings. Take a detour through the Lureau woods to see the striking Pierre aux Géants menhir, which stands over 3.6 meters (nearly 12 feet) tall. Also, check out the Grottes pétrifiantes de Savonnières, which are a favorite for geology buffs and families. Inside, you will find a landscape of stalactites, stalagmites, and rocks with fascinating colors.
Within the village of Villandry, stop by the église Saint-Etienne to see its impressive dome, which measures 6 meters (about 20 feet) in diameter. The village features several craft shops where you can pick up decorative items or local food products. For a meal, traditional establishments serve regional specialties like rillettes and rillons (pork delicacies), Sainte-Maure goat cheese, and nougat de Tours.
When to visit
The best time to visit Villandry is during the warmer months, from April through September. This season allows you to make the most of outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or taking a boat trip on the Cher, as well as experiencing the château gardens in full bloom.
How to get there
Villandry is a 2-hour and 45-minute drive from Paris, 2 hours from Nantes, and only 25 minutes from Tours. If you are not driving, you can take a train or bus from Paris-Montparnasse or Nantes to the station in Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps. From there, a shuttle or taxi can take you to Villandry in about 20 minutes.
While the village of Azay-le-Rideau is very lively, I found the village of Villandry much quieter. From my point of view, it is severely lacking in shops and activities. Especially since I went in the middle of summer, so it must be even worse the rest of the year. After you visit the castle, I do not recommend lingering any longer.