The gardens surround the Château de Villandry like a jewel case… Gardens to be discovered from above, from the belvedere, and then up close to appreciate all their charms and subtleties.
Completed around 1536, Villandry is the last of the great châteaux built on the banks of the Loire in the purest Renaissance style. It was designed by Jean Le Breton, Secretary of State to François I. After serving as ambassador to Rome, where he had studied the art of gardens, Jean Le Breton had for many years supervised and directed the construction of Chambord on behalf of the Crown.
In the 19th century, the traditional garden was demolished to create an English-style park around the château, in the style of the Parc Monceau in Paris.
In 1906, the château was purchased by Dr Joachim Carvallo, born in Spain in 1869 and great-grandfather of the current owners. He saved the château from demolition and created the present-day gardens, in complete harmony with the monument’s Renaissance architecture. He was also a pioneer in opening monuments to the public.