Visit the Château de Villandry : tickets, prices, times

A stay to discover the Loire castles? Don't miss visiting the Château de Villandry, a few kilometers from Tours.

It is in the heart of the Loire Valley that you will discover Villandry, a true gateway to the Regional Natural Park Loire Anjou Touraine. Located 16 kilometres from Tours and 250 kilometres from Paris, the small village of Villandry is home to less than 1,200 inhabitants. It has an extremely rich heritage! Villandry is the ideal starting point to discover the region, which is part of UNESCO’s world heritage. Heritage, gastronomy, architecture, preserved nature, this diversity promises an exceptional stay.

The most famous remains of Villandry are the Saint-Etienne Church, the menhir of the “stone to the joncs” and of course, its castle! Being located in a region known for its famous castles, it is no doubt: the castle of Villandry is a must of the Loire Valley Castles! You will be subjugated by its elegance, architecture and incredible gardens.

Here is everything you need to know to visit the Château de Villandry.

History of the Château de Villandry

Jean Breton is the Minister of Finance of François I. Passionate about garden art, he decided to buy the estate of Villandry in the 1530s. At the time, the estate is a medieval fortress. After his acquisition, he decided to lighten his architecture, make an opening outside, and magnify it with a Renaissance decoration. This is how the estate becomes the Château de Villandry.

Villandry is the last of the great castles built on the banks of the Loire during the Renaissance period.

In 1754, the Marquis de Castellane, Ambassador of King Louis XV, became its owner. Castellane is at the initiative of many works, including the construction of outbuildings, concierge and bass-court. Durand of decades, many owners succeed. Among others are Jérôme Bonaparte, brother of the Emperor, or the Hainguerlot family. However, few of them are interested in his interview.

The traditional garden of the castle was destroyed in the nineteenth century. It is replaced by a sublime English garden.

In 1906, Villandry Castle was about to be demolished. However, Dr. Joachim Carvallo decided to redeem him and devote all his time to it. It is to him that one owes the sublime gardens that one can admire at present.

Today, Henri Carvallo is the owner. He continues the project of his great father: to preserve and embellish this unique place, testimony of the French heritage.

What to see and do at Villandry Castle?

The Castle of Villandry

In order to organize and prepare for the best to visit the Château de Villandry, we recommend that you visit the official website. This will allow you to plan your visit as best as possible and identify all things you want to see. And to help you in preparing your visit, the Château de Villandry provides online tools.

• One implementationdownloadable for free, to discover the castle and its gardens in an innovative, playful and interactive way, before and during the visit;
• One virtual visit the castle that allows you to explore the estate in detail.
• Des videos to discover the whole in a different way.

Visiting the castle of Villandry is visiting the last of the great castles of the Loire. Within the area, you will discover more than 15 rooms. Each has its own style, they are all furnished and decorated in an XVIII century style. You will appreciate the sober architecture and the warm atmosphere of the place. Visitors can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the gardens, from the dungeon terrace. Not to be missed: the eastern living room at the end of the Spanish painting gallery on the first floor.

The gardens of the Château de Villandry

Finally, you will discover what makes the place famous: its gardens! There are six in total, all to see, without exception:

• The vegetable garden : this garden is decorative, composed of 9 squares of identical size. This vegetable garden originates in the Middle Ages;
• The garden of Ornement : to consider an extension of the interior lounges;
• The labyrinth : created as a living room from the plans of the Renaissance;
• The garden of Water : composed of a central basin in the form of a water mirror;
• The garden of the Simple : dedicated to aromatic herbs and medicinal plants;
• The garden of the Sun : form a cloister composed of 3 bedrooms, typical of Villandry

Ageed on four terraces, they each have a unique identity and aesthetic, while forming a harmonious ensemble.

The animations

If you are travelling with your family, know that many free animations are available at Villandry Castle:

• Conterated signs during the holiday of the Toussaint, where the guardian of the garden will accompany you the time of a fairytale walk;
• Christmas at the Château de Villandry, from December 21, 2019 to January 5, 2020, to discover the castle completely immersed in the warm atmosphere of Christmas, thanks to a brand new decoration set up for the occasion;
• The fun path and the bookt-jeu “The spell of Jean Le Breton”;
• The labyrinth of charmille, its enigmas and the garden of children
• The stationsthematic interpretation to manipulate

How to go to Villandry Castle?

There are several ways to get to the Château de Villandry, located at 33 rue Principale, 37510 Villandry.

By car

• From Paris : Highway A10, exit no.24 (Joué-lès-Tours) and A85, direction Saumur, exit no.8 (Villandry)
• From Nantes : Highway A11 and A85, exit No.8 (Villandry)

Please note: parking is free around the castle.

By train

• The nearest stations are those of Tours (16km) and Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (18km).
• Then take one bus or taxi.

By bus

• From Tours, "Blue Fil" shuttles will take you to the Castle.

By bike

• Follow the itinerary « Loire à Vélo ». Unattended bicycle parking is located near the estate.

Prices of the Château de Villandry

You can buy your ticket in advance directly on the site of the Château de Villandry, during the high season, from April 1st to October 31st of each year. Your e-billet will then be printed or downloaded in advance and show at the entrance of the castle. Outside this period, tickets are on sale only on site.

HORARI

Castle

The Château de Villandry is open every day from February 9th to November 11th and during Christmas holidays.

In winter

• 1-6 January : 09h30 - 17h00
• 7 January to 8 February : closed
• From 9 February to 28 February : 09h00 – 17h00
• The whole month of March : 09h00 – 17h30

Spring

• 1 April to 30 June : 09h00 – 18h00

In summer until the end of October

• 1 July to 31 August : 09h00 – 18h30
• 1 September to 26 October : 09h00 – 18h00

In autumn

• From 27 October to 11 November : 09h00 – 17h00
• 12 November to 6 December : closed

In the middle of winter

• From 7 to 31 December : 09h30 - 17h00

Gardens

The gardens are open every day, all year round, including holidays.

In winter

• 1 January to 8 February : 09h00 – 17h00
• 9-28 February : 09h00 – 17h30
• March 1 to March 31 : 09h00 – 18h00

Spring and summer

• 1 April to 30 September : 09h00 – 19h00

In autumn and Christmas

• 1 to 26 October : 09h00 – 18h30
• From 27 October to 11 November : 09h00 – 17h30
• 12 November to 20 December : 09h00 – 17h00
• Christmas period : from 21 to 31 December : 09:00 – 17:30

RATES

High season

Billet Château et Jardins

• Rate : 11€
• Reduced price (less than 18 years – students) : 7€;
• Persons with disabilities : 7€;
• Audioguide : 4€;

Billet Jardins seul

• Rate : 7€
• Reduced price : 5€
• Persons with disabilities : 3.5€;
• Audioguide : 4€

Winter rates (12/11/19 – 31/03/20)

Billet Château et Jardins

• Rate : 9€
• Reduced price : 6€
• Persons with disabilities : 7€;

Billet Jardins seul

• Rate : 5€
• Reduced price : 4€
• Persons with disabilities : 3.5€;

Free from Villandry Castle

Access to the Château de Villandry is free for under 8 years.