English
English
Language
Currency
Villandry Castle Tickets
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- Explore the Villandry Castle, which showcases the opulent lifestyle of the French nobility during the Renaissance period, and gain access to the gardens. Please find the map of the Loire Valley castles here.
- The Villandry Castle was the last of the great Renaissance castles built along the Loire River, completed in 1536 by Jean Le Breton, Minister of Finance for Francis I.
- Designed in the formal French style, the gardens are divided into formal, ornamental, and vegetable plots.
- Walk through the maze, a unique labyrinth from the Renaissance era enclosed by hornbeam hedges.
- Leisurely stroll through the small village of Villandry offering a peaceful ambiance and delightful cafes with views of the castle's gardens.
- Explore the Villandry Castle, which showcases the opulent lifestyle of the French nobility during the Renaissance period, and gain access to the gardens. Please find the map of the Loire Valley castles here.
- The Villandry Castle was the last of the great Renaissance castles built along the Loire River, completed in 1536 by Jean Le Breton, Minister of Finance for Francis I.
- Designed in the formal French style, the gardens are divided into formal, ornamental, and vegetable plots.
- Walk through the maze, a unique labyrinth from the Renaissance era enclosed by hornbeam hedges.
- Leisurely stroll through the small village of Villandry offering a peaceful ambiance and delightful cafes with views of the castle's gardens.
Inclusions
- Entry to Villandry Castle
- Entry to the gardens
- Tip: Climb up to the belvedere and soak in the panorama, spotting the unique Maltese, Languedoc, and Basque Cross designs.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, you can use them any time until 24 May, 2025.
- These tickets are valid until 24 May, 2025.
- With your entry ticket, stroll through 6 hectares of meticulously designed gardens surrounding the renowned Villandry Castle.
- Discover the Water Garden, featuring a central Louis XV-style mirror basin and picturesque pathways, restored to its 18th-century elegance.
- Find your way through the Maze, and explore the Vegetable Garden, which demonstrates traditional French gardening techniques.
- Swing by the Rose Garden, a delightful spot to admire a vast array of roses in full bloom and be treated to a riot of colors and intoxicating scents.
- With your entry ticket, stroll through 6 hectares of meticulously designed gardens surrounding the renowned Villandry Castle.
- Discover the Water Garden, featuring a central Louis XV-style mirror basin and picturesque pathways, restored to its 18th-century elegance.
- Find your way through the Maze, and explore the Vegetable Garden, which demonstrates traditional French gardening techniques.
- Swing by the Rose Garden, a delightful spot to admire a vast array of roses in full bloom and be treated to a riot of colors and intoxicating scents.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Villandry gardens
Exclusions
- Entry to Villandry Castle
- Tip: While wandering is part of the fun, sticking to the designated paths will ensure you don't miss any hidden gems or important features.
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, you can use them any time until 31 December, 2024.
- These tickets are valid until 31 December, 2024.
Guided Tours
From Amboise or Tours: Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau & Vouvray Full-Day Guided Tour
- Hop on 8-seater minivan from either Ambroise or Tours, according to your choice, and go on a guided tour to explore Villandry castle, Azay-le-Rideau and
- En route, admire the Cher and Indre rivers and charming towns, with your English-speaking guide enlightening you about the region's history.
- One of the highlights of your day awaits with the exploration of Villandry Castle's exquisite formal gardens—a masterpiece of beautifully manicured landscapes.
- Swing by the Azay-le-Rideau Castle, known for its unique straight staircase, and see your reflection mirrored on the Indre River.
- Enhance your understanding of winemaking as you tour the traditional vat room, culminating in a tasting of 4 delightful local wines.
- Hop on 8-seater minivan from either Ambroise or Tours, according to your choice, and go on a guided tour to explore Villandry castle, Azay-le-Rideau and
- En route, admire the Cher and Indre rivers and charming towns, with your English-speaking guide enlightening you about the region's history.
- One of the highlights of your day awaits with the exploration of Villandry Castle's exquisite formal gardens—a masterpiece of beautifully manicured landscapes.
- Swing by the Azay-le-Rideau Castle, known for its unique straight staircase, and see your reflection mirrored on the Indre River.
- Enhance your understanding of winemaking as you tour the traditional vat room, culminating in a tasting of 4 delightful local wines.
Inclusions
- Full-day guided tour from Amboise or Tours: (optional)
- 8-seater air-conditioned vehicles
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- 4/5 wine tasting
- Entrance fees
- Tip: Try Vouvray wines' diversity by sampling across sweetness levels: sec (dry), demi-sec (off-dry), moelleux (semi-sweet), and doux (sweet).
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.
- Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography and tripods are a no-go inside the venue.
- A minimum of 2 participants is required for a tour. If the count is not met, the tour might get cancelled.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Loire ValleyChâteau de Villandry
Top things to do in Loire Valley
Loire Valley Castles
- Distance from Paris: Approximately 260 km (162 miles)
- Nearest train station: Tours, Place du Général Leclerc, 37000 Tours, France
- Nearest airport: Tours Val de Loire Airport, 40 Rue de l'Aéroport, 37100 Tours, France
- Nearest castles: Azay-le-Rideau
- Nearest cities: Tours, Chinon, Saumur
Why visit the Château de Villandry
- Spectacular gardens: The Villandry gardens are some of the most stunning in France. The castle has five gardens: the ornamental garden, vegetable garden, herb garden, water garden, and sun garden.
- Part of a World Heritage Site: The Château de Villandry is located in the famous Loire Valley region of France. The Loire Valley is one of only 49 sites in the world that has been classified as a World Heritage Site.
- Steeped in history: The Villandry Castle was built in the 16th century, and all of its former owners have left an indelible mark on the attraction’s history and structure.
- Architectural marvel: From its symmetrical design to the decorative elements, the Château de Villandry is a prime example of French Renaissance architecture.
- Treasure trove of culture: The Château de Villandry is an integral part of French culture and hosts many events throughout the year to showcase France’s culture. Some popular events at the attraction include classical music concerts and garden-themed festivals.
- Interactive workshops: If you are interested in horticulture and/or gardening, you can sign up for the interactive workshops at the castle. For up-to-date information on workshops, please check the official website and plan your trip accordingly.
Which Château de Villandry ticket is best for you
If you are on a budget
Go for: Entry tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: No
- Spend time exploring the Villandry Castle's different gardens with standard entry tickets.
- With a single ticket, you can explore the castle and its beautiful gardens at your own pace during your visit.
Recommended tours
If you are an enthusiastic explorer
Go for: Day trips
Duration: 9 hours
Guide: Professional guide
- Explore two iconic castles- Vallandry and Azay-le-Rideau- on a day trip in an air-conditioned minivan.
- With an English-speaking guide by your side, simultaneously learn and explore the attractions during your trip. You also get to enjoy a wine-tasting in Vouvray at the end of your trips as well.
Recommended tour
What to see at the Château de Villandry
Grand salon
The grand salon at Villandry features elegant furnishings, large windows with views of the gardens, and an impressive collection of art and period furniture.
Dining room
The dining room inside Villandry has been decorated in the traditional style of the 18th century and features a beautiful fireplace, antique furniture, and exquisite table settings.
Ornamental garden
The ornamental gardens at Villandry are divided into the love, music, herb, and the garden of the crosses. The love garden represents tender, passionate, fickle, and tragic love through its geometric designs, whereas the music garden features topiary designs representing musical symbols and instruments. The herb garden is a treasure trove of medicinal and culinary herbs in a formal layout, and the garden of crosses features intricate patterns of boxwood hedges shaped into crosses and other symbols.
Water garden
The water garden at Villandry is a tranquil area with a large pond in the shape of a Louis XV mirror, surrounded by lawns, fountains, and flowerbeds.
Vegetable garden
Villandry has an elaborate decorative vegetable garden with nine square patches, each planted with different vegetables and flowers arranged in intricate patterns.
Sun garden
The Sun garden is a new addition to Villandry. It features a mix of flowers and plants in warm colors, a central pond, and shaded pathways. When compared to the other gardens, the layout of the Sun Garden is more relaxed as well.
Maze
The grounds of Château de Villandry are also home to a traditional boxwood maze that offers fun and a bit of challenge as you navigate its winding paths.
Plan your visit to the Château de Villandry
Timings
Getting here
Facilities
Tips and guidelines
Dining
Stay
Nearby
Opening hours:
- June: 9am - 6pm
- July and August: 9am - 6:30pm
- August 2 and August 3: 9am - 6pm
- September, and October 1 to October 26: 9am - 6pm
- October 27 to November 11: 9am - 5pm
- November 30 to December 31: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
Closed: November 12 to November 29, December 25
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Villandry is between April and October. During this time, the gardens are blooming, and the weather is most pleasant. To avoid heavy crowds, avoid visiting the castle between 11am and 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 4pm.
Address: 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry, France
- By train: Multiple lines
Nearest stop: Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station - By minibus: Private services
Nearest stop: Villandry - By shuttle: PARISCityVISION
Nearest stop: Villandry
- Audio guides: The audio guides are available in 10 languages, including French, English, Spanish and Italian. You can purchase the guide for a small fee from the ticket office.
- Parking: Car parking, bus parking, and an unguarded bicycle parking are located near the castle for the convenience of its visitors.
- Washrooms: Male and female washrooms are also present at Villandry. The female washrooms are equipped with a baby-changing table and bottle warmers.
- Picnic area: Visitors can make use of the picnic area that is located 100 m from the entrance of the castle.
- Storage lockers: If you are carrying small bags, backpacks, and motorcycle helmets, you can drop them off in the storage lockers available for free in the visitors’ office.
- Since you will be doing a fair amount of walking at Château de Villandry, it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
- Dogs that are kept on a lead are permitted in the gardens. Only small dogs carried in a suitable bag or basket throughout the visit are allowed inside the castle.
- Strollers are not allowed inside the castle. You can drop them off in a dedicated space at the entrance of the castle.
- For visitors between 8 and 12 years old, a book game, Le Sortilège de Jean Le Breton, is given to families for visiting the gardens. However, this book game is only available in French.
- Flash photography is not permitted inside the castle.
- Ascend to the terrace of the Château de Villandry to enjoy panoramic views of the distinct Maltese, Languedoc, and Basque Cross designs, along with fleur-de-lis motifs.
- L'Étape Gourmande: Located 1.4 km away, L'Étape Gourmande is a charming restaurant located in a restored farmhouse, offering traditional French cuisine. Their must-try dishes include magret de canard aux framboise and the tarte tatin.
- La Doulce Terrasse: Located 230 m away, La Doulce Terrasse is a restaurant with a beautiful terrace overlooking the gardens of the Château de Villandry. They offer a menu inspired by French cuisine and some of their must-try dishes include filet de sandre and salade de chèvre chaud.
- Le Colombien: Located 170 m away, in the heart of Villandry, Le Colombien is a traditional French restaurant serving classic dishes such as boeuf bourguignon and the rillettes de tours spread.
- Les Grottes: Located 2.3 km away, Les Grottes is a unique restaurant set in a troglodyte (cave) environment. Known for its grilled meats and regional specialties, some of their most popular dishes include ragoût and the salmon in herb sauce.
Budget: The Originals City, Hôtel Le Cheval Rouge, Tours Ouest (250 m), Logis Auberge le Colombien (260 m), Le Haut des Lys (460 m).
Mid-range: Domaine de la Commanderie de Ballan (7.4 km), Hôtel Le Grand Monarque (9.5 km), Hôtel Mercure Tours Sud (9.9 km).
Luxury: Les Trésorières (13.7 km)Château d'Artigny (14.3 km), Hôtel Restaurant Domaine de la Tortinière (15.3 km).
- Château d'Azay-le-Rideau: Located 11.3 km away, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is A picturesque Renaissance château set on an island in the Indre River. The beautiful interiors and lovely gardens are worth seeing as well.
- Château de Chenonceau: Located 44.4 km away, the Château de Chenonceau is known as the “Ladies’ Castle.” It spans the Cher River and has a rich history of female owners. The arched bridges, exquisite gardens, and art collections add to the charm of your visit.
- Château de Langeais: Located 10 km away, the Château de Langeais is a medieval fortress with a Renaissance interior, that is known for its well-preserved furnishings and tapestries. Highlights of the castle include the drawbridge, historic reenactments, and beautiful gardens.
Frequently asked questions about Château de Villandry tickets
Is entry to the Château de Villandry free on special days?
During the European Heritage Month, held annually in the third week of September, visitors can enjoy free entry to the attraction.
What are the best days and times to visit the Château de Villandry to avoid crowds?
If you want to see the flowers blooming in the gardens, visit the castle between April and October. To avoid crowds, avoid visiting the castle between 11am and 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 4pm.
How long does a typical visit to the Château de Villandry last?
You can spend at least 2.5 hours exploring the entire attraction. You can cover the gardens within 1.5 hours; the castle will take another 1 hour.
Are private guided tours available at the Château de Villandry?
Yes, private guided tours are available. A guided tour will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The tours are held between March 16 and November 11, except for Sundays and long weekends.
Does the Château de Villandry offer audio guides as an alternative to a guided tour?
Yes, audio guides are available at the attraction. They can be purchased for a small fee from the ticket office and are available in French, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Dutch, and Brazilian. However, the audio guides for children are only available in French.
What special accommodations are available for guests with disabilities?
For guests with disabilities, the attraction has many accommodations. These include adapted toilets, cobbled pathways, and ramps for their convenience.
Do you need separate tickets to visit the Château de Villandry gardens and the castle?
Yes, you will need to purchase separate tickets to visit the Villandry Gardens and the castle.
Is the Château de Villandry closed on certain days?
Château de Villandry is closed from November 12 to November 29 and December 25.