Monday, 19 May 2014

Chateau de Villandry

We visited Villandry about 12 years ago, I loved it then, and was really looking forward to seeing it again. I wasn't disappointed, although with this layout, they aren't going to change it much between visits.
This is yet another Chateau that was built in the early 1500's, but the main draw are the unbelievable gardens. They were the life's work of Mr and Mrs Carvallo who bought the Chateau in 1906 and set about recreating and improving upon the garden layout from the 16th century.
Most of the garden is laid out in geometric patterns that are filled with vegetables, but the effect is very pretty, and nutritious. The standard roses at the edges of the squares represent the original monks who tended the gardens.
There is also an ornamental garden that is at the front of my first two photos. The heart shaped pattern shows 'tender love', then there is also 'flighty love' with butterfly wings, 'tragic love' - daggers, and 'passionate love' - dancers.
You need a bit of an imagination for this bit.

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