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.
Enjoy Gorgeous Flowers Accompanied By Inspiring Quotes
These flowers are truly stunning, and when they're juxtaposed with some amazing quotes, their beauty is even more apparent. Enjoy this beautiful post.
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.
These Flowers Capture a Starry Night On Their Petals
These wonderful flowers appear to have the night sky captured in their very petals. View some stunning photos of them and learn more about them.
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.
The Most Beautiful Locations to Enjoy this Coming Spring!
Winter is over and the flowers are waking up and blossoming. These gorgeous photos show us how truly remarkable nature is.
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
Las Vegas Isn't Just About Gambling as These Places Prove
Planning a visit to Las Vegas? If so, you must really visit these stunning places.
11 Scenic American Lakes Absolutely Everyone Should See
Everyone ought to know about these magnificent American lakes that offer so much fun and countless beautiful views, we want to visit them all!
The Ashikaga Flower Park is Truly a Sight to Behold
Only the Japanese could make a flower garden this stunning. Check it out!
10 Beautiful Places in Austria You Must Visit!
We invite you to join a special journey in the country, looking at 10 different sites that are simply a must.
These Step Pyramids are the Most Impressive in the World
Curiously, step pyramids were important to many ancient cultures that constructed them for a variety of reasons. Take a look at some of most impressive ones.
Thailand Is Home to Some Jaw-Dropping Places to Visit
Thailand is hugely popular with tourists from all over the world, and to be honest, it's not hard to see why. Check out these 12 amazing attractions and places.
This Isn't Just a Mountain, It's Also An Incredible Temple
This may be the only mountain with so many religious structures on it. Together with the natural beauty of the place, it becomes the sight of a lifetime.
See the Seven Wonders of the World in Stunning 4K
Very few things on this planet come close to the beauty and majesty of the Seven Wonders of the World, as this 4K video proves.
COLLECTION: The Incredible Beauty of Historical Europe
Discover this huge collection of articles dedicated to the beauty of historical architecture and unique places throughout Europe.
It's Hard to Believe These Hotels Really Exist!
Hotels can be much more than just a place to sleep, take a shower and change your clothes! Here are 18 unique and splendid hotels from around the globe.
Kathmandu Looks Exceptionally Stunning in 4K
If you've never been to Kathmandu before, then this is the perfect place to start!
Welcome to the Most Densely Populated Island on Earth
What happens when you cram 800 people in 13,000 square meters? Apparently, heaven on earth. Welcome to Santa Cruz del Islote...
14 European National Parks Everyone Should Visit
When planning your next European adventure, be sure to set aside at least a day to visit one of the following national parks!
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.
Cambodia Is an Asian Stunner That's Begging to Be Visited
Cambodia is a lesser-visited country in southeast Asia. It's hard to see why, because it's got a bit of everything. Here are 10 top destinations in Cambodia.
This Archival Footage of Japan from 1913-1915 Is Amazing
Take a look at this incredibly rare archival footage of Tokyo, Japan, that gives us a glimpse of life there in the early 20th century.
You Won't Believe That These Train Routes Actually Exist!
While most train journeys around the world are typically boring and uneventful, these terrifying ones more than make up for them!
15 Underrated National Parks You Need to Explore Next
Yellowstone and Yosemite are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out these underrated national parks now.
Take a Stunning 4K Aerial Tour of Ancient Transylvania
Take an aerial tour of Transylvania, one of Eastern Europe's most captivating regions. You won't regret it!
15 Must-Visit Places In the Incredible Continent of Africa
Africa is an incredible continent for a variety of reasons, and there's something here for you whatever you like. Here are 15 must-visit places in Africa.
The Tiniest Marvels: Enter Willard Wigan's Miniature World
Enter the fascinating world of Willard Wigan, the master of micro-sculpting.
8 Glorious Places on Earth That Are Largely Untouched
Here is a look at some of the most amazing untouched destinations on Earth that are inhabited by very few people.
Welcome to Rick Stanley’s World of Inventive Clocks
Rick Stanley’s makes the most inventive clocks, using everything from bottles to bicycles.
Arabian Nights: The Magic of Saudi Arabia
Come with us to fly above and within the magic of Saudi Arabia.
14 Attractions in the Unique City of Geneva
For those seeking specific recommendations for their visit to Geneva, we have curated a list of 14 attractions that promise an unforgettable experience:
The Australian Island of Tasmania Is Out of This World...
Many choose to visit to Australia at least once in their lifetimes, but the island of Tasmania is much less well-known. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
The Most Gorgeous Train Rides in the USA...
Loosen your grip on the steering wheel, these rail-road trips will give you the opportunity to take in sights that the interstate doesn't deliver.
Experience the Thrill of Riding the World's Fastest Train
Japan's upcoming maglev trains are supposed to be the world’s fastest. But are they really worth the hype?
The Most Breathtakingly Beautiful National Parks in Japan
These Japanese national parks will delight all nature enthusiasts.
15 Photos That Show Why Japan is an Amazing Place to Live
Take a look at these pictures which show why Japan is light-years ahead of the rest of the world.
11 of the Most Affordable Beach Vacations Around the World
Looking for a budget vacation this summer? Try these affordable beach trips.
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.
Around the World in 10 Unique New Year's Eve Traditions
Discover the different ways New Year’s Eve is celebrated around the world.
Garden Envy: Stunning Photos from Fellow Plant Lovers
Soothe your soul with these beautiful gardening pictures shared by people from all over the world.
19 Unique & Traditional Ways of Life Around the World
19 unique cultures that managed to preserve their traditions in the 21st century. English photographer Jimmy Nelson travels the globe to meet these unique tribes and brings back incredible photos.
Belize Is An Unspoiled Caribbean Paradise Waiting For You
It's quite often that Belize isn't thought of by people when they think of the Caribbean, but it actually should be. Here are the country's top 10 destinations.
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...
Set Your Eyes on Burano, an Island Bursting with Color
Every corner of Italy has some hidden beauty. Venetian Lagoon island Burano is a gem of an island bursting with colorful houses and tranquil scenery.
Welcome to the Most Colorful Town in the Entire World
Whoever thought that the most colorful town in the world would be a little settlement of 5,000 people in the heart of Colombia!? Here it is in all its glory.
What Architectural Wonders Looked Like During Construction
Have you ever wondered how some of the greatest architectural wonders of the past few centuries were created? Wonder no more...
Life in Turkey’s Istanbul is Pretty Special – 15 Pictures
Istanbul in Turkey is a city of many wonderful contrasts as you will see in these striking pictures.