The
Chateau at Villandry is truly an inspiration. Some of the gardens were first
laid out in medieval times and have carried on their themes to the present
day. The seasons play an important part and the patterns are replanted with
flowers, vegetables and fruits throughout the year. The structures you can
see are rose arbours with benches inside and small fountains in the middle
of four arbours. Click to enlarge.
The chateau itself is also very interesting, but unlike the gardens, not the best in the Loire valley. The cafe just outside is very pleasant too.
Most of the areas are contained by living fences of espaliered fruit trees! Click to enlarge.
Some of the older formal gardens are based on original medieval knot gardens. A booklet can be obtained from the chateau explaining all of the symbolism behind the shapes. Click to enlarge.
