Château de Villandry is home to perhaps the most spectacular gardens you will ever see. Built on the site of an ancient fortress, the château has become famous for its elaborate gardens. The estate is owned by the Carvallo family and after opening it up to the public, it has become one most visited tourist attractions in France, with over 300,000 annual visitors, and for good reason!
The impressive grounds boast three different styles of Renaissance gardens, including a Water Garden, a Kitchen Garden, and an Ornamental Garden.
The majestic gardens were created by Spanish doctor Joachim Carvallo and his American wife, Ann Coleman. The couple met while working on a medical research team in France and purchased the property in 1906.
During World War One the château hosted a military hospital, and Carvallo served as a doctor for the French Army. After this the couple went back to their dream and worked on completing the extraordinary gardens, which took them over twenty years.
Throughout the year plants are replaced, and different colors paint the seasons. Nine gardeners are employed to maintain the gardens and replace seasonal flora. There is also a nearby church, and an herb garden sits between it and the Kitchen Garden.
The Ornamental Gardens rest among cascading terraces and feature bold topiary hedges. They consist of four different salons, each with a different theme: The Garden of Music, The Decorative Flower Garden, The Garden of Simple Delights, and the more famous Garden of Love.
The Kitchen Garden, known as “La Potager”, is a magnificent work of vegetables, lattice gazebos, and vibrant colors. This decorative vegetable garden was the reason Château de Villandry first became well-known. Covering three acres, it is home to forty types of Renaissance era vegetables and 250,000 plants.
In 1934 the Château was declared a 'Monument Historique', a French national monument, and more recently as part of the Loire Valley it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below you can see the Water Garden.
The Garden of Love features four symmetrical quadrants, each representing a different aspect of Renaissance love: Tender Love, Passionate Love, Fickle Love, and Tragic Love.
Over the summer the garden is open one evening for a festival called 'The Night of a Thousand Lights'. Two thousand candles illuminate the garden, and Baroque music is played live as you take a romantic stroll through the gardens.
16 Stunning Gardens I'd Be Delighted to Stroll Through...
A stunning collection of 16 different landscape designs that will excite every nature lover out there.
17 Flowers That Prove the World is Full of Surprises...
We've gathered for you 17 strange and extraordinary plants and flowers from around the world that all nature lovers should see...
These Gorgeous White Flowers Are the Height of Sophistication
The color of elegance and refinement, white can elevate any flowerbed!
The Flowers & Blossoms of Fruit Trees Are Achingly Pretty
There are few things in this world that are quite as magical as a flowering or blossoming fruit tree. Take a look at 15 stunning images of fruit tree flowers.
If You Love Flowers, This Show is the Place to Be!
The Chelsea flower show is a must for any flower lover. There is so much to see and smell!
12 Beautiful Gardens That Show Another Side of Europe
Europe is a favorite for people from all over the world, but apart from the ancient buildings and historical sites, it also has some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Photos Of Yesterday & Today: A Changed World
The world keeps changing around us. And these pictures of different places from the past and the present show us how much that is true.
Malaysia is Quite Possibly Asia's Most Beautiful Country
Malaysia is a fascinating country. This article gives you 10 good reasons why you should visit Malaysia if you are ever in Southeast Asia.
Who Knew the US Has So Many Hidden Romantic Spots
These 10 lesser known holiday destinations are both original and romantic. If you live in the US they may even be closer than you thought!
This Man Ran a Marathon Every Single Day of the Year!
Meet Gary McKee, the man who ran 365 marathons in a year!
Tired of Touring the Same Cities? Check Out THESE Pearls!
We always consider major capitals as great destinations to visit, however there are other towns and cities that are wonderful, yet less obvious. Here are 12.
The Netherlands Is a Country of the Future For 7 Reasons
The Netherlands is a country that others should emulate for a whole variety of reasons, not least these 7 we're about to show you in this article.
10 Gorgeous US Towns that Look Like They Belong in Europe!
Here are 10 little-known places so hauntingly beautiful, the moment you enter, you'll be sure you've set foot in Europe.
Want to Get Cheap Flight Tickets? The Answer is Here…
Find the cheapest flight tickets with these trusted tips and tricks.
Introducing the 10 Biggest Shopping Malls in the World
So where are the biggest and most expensive malls in the world? Right here in this article.
Remembering the World’s Long Lost Architectural Gems
There have been countless architectural gems built over centuries. Sadly, many no longer exist. Here’s a look at some of them.
World's Strangest Towns That You Didn't Know Existed!
Explore some unusual places that defy convention, from a one-person town to a unique settlement where all residents share a single building.
8 Gorgeous Places Just Outside Rome You Should See...
You shouldn't limit yourself to the regular tourist spots of Rome. Here are 8 destinations close to Rome you'll love to visit.
Welcome to the Ancient and Secret City of Petra...
The Lost City of Petra, as you can see from these photographs, really is an amazing place.
The Most Unusual Christmas Characters Around The World!
Let’s meet the holiday season's most interesting characters from around the world.
20 Unusual and Intriguing Maps to Trigger Your Curiosity
You won’t view the world the same way after seeing these unusual maps.
15 Incredible Images of Real Life on Japan's Streets
Life on the streets of Japan is so vivid and varied that you will be moved to want to visit, when you look at these stunning real-life photos.
These Pictures Will Make You Desperately Crave the ‘70s
Rediscover the charm of the '70s with these delightful pictures.
10 of the Most Beautiful Places of Worship in the World
Houses of worship are often the most shining example of artistic architecture, and these are the most beautiful examples of that.
Visit the Most Beautiful Monasteries in the World!
These monasteries are beautiful in both the spiritual and the architectural sense.
Georgia Is the Most Beautiful Country You’ve Never Been To
The sights and attractions of the Caucasian country of Georgia
16 Places You Are NOT Allowed to Visit!
This video lists 16 places you are never allowed to go to and why that is.
8 Fairytale-Like Castles That You’ve Probably Never Seen
Journey through the globe with us and see these 8 stunning palaces as if you were there right now
A City of Ice: Harbin Ice Sculpture Festival on Camera
15 photos of the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture festival in 2020
These Unusual Beaches Offer a Unique View of Paradise
If you are a beach lover with an eye for the unusual, then you might want to add some of these stunning spots to your bucket list.
10 Must-See Amazing and Unfamiliar Sites across France
France is filled with familiar and loved sites such as the Eifel Tower, but there are quite a few that are just as spectacular just not as know, here are 10 of them.
20 Reasons You Can't Say No to Visiting Turkey!
This magnificent country is full of breathtaking wonders - take a peek at these beautiful photos and be inspired!
10 Wonderful River Cruise Experiences We Highly Recommend
Here are the top 10 recommended destinations for river cruising worldwide.
Take a Walk Along the Most Amazing Cliff Paths in the World
Come with us on a walk through some of the world's most spectacular cliff paths!
Towering Architectural Marvels: World's Largest Churches!
Have you visited any of these massive churches?
19 Timeless Treasures of Our World You Need to See
Uncover the world's most captivating and awe-inspiring creations through the lens of history, archaeology, art, and architecture.
10 Beautiful Castles Literally Built For Romance!
Castles seem to be a supreme statement of true love, built with great hardship and expense, to serve as a romantic home taken out of a fairy tale, and to live in it happily ever after...
10 Caves in the US You Have To Add to Your Must Visit List
These magical caves are a must see - weather you're an extreme lover or just looking for a relaxed stroll, these natural wonders have something for anyone.
Our World is an Incredible Place – 12 Breathtaking Images
There’s something awe-inducing about things that dwarf us and make us feel small.
Welcome to the Alluring Ellora Caves, India
Welcome to the biggest cave temple in the world! These caves are more than 1000 years old and are amazing to see.
Titanic Sub: What Really Caused a 'Catastrophic' Implosion
The Titan sub tragedy has left everyone shaken. But what exactly happened to it?
These Abandoned Places Look So Majestic in Their Loneliness
Exploring these gems in their current state will still promise to be quite the adventure.
These 24 Places Should Definitely Be on Your Bucket List
Our world is filled with beautiful places that you should definitely visit. The 24 places in this article should definitely be added to your bucket list!
20 Gorgeous Routes to Drive On in the United States
America is a land full of open roads and Beautiful things to see. These are the top 20 trips I would definitely recommend you do.
13 Free Attractions to Enjoy in the City of London
Remember that exploring London doesn't have to be an expensive venture - with careful planning and inclusion of free attractions in your itinerary...