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.

Chateau de Villandry & Garden Tickets

Day Trips

From Tours or Amboise: Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau Guided Tour + Wine tasting

Three storybook castles by morning, vineyard-hopping by noon—all on a small-group guided day trip.

Starting point: Starts 9:30am from Tours or Amboise Tourist Office (select at booking). Arrive 15 min early; no hotel pickup.
Day out to 8-hour guided road trip by comfy minivan (max. 8 guests) to two fairytale châteaux and two Loire wine tastings with a local expert.
You’ll get: Guided tours with priority access at Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry gardens, 8+ wine tastings (white, rosé, red, sparkling), and insider tips on Loire terroir and tasting.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle: Set on an island in the Indre River, this early Renaissance gem wows with symmetry and stone reflections. Your guide shares stories of noble life and the château’s elegant spiral staircases.
Villandry Castle: The Loire’s last Renaissance castle is best known for its gardens. Stroll with your guide through floral mosaics, a Renaissance water garden, and a hedge maze made for wandering.
Wine tasting – Amboise: Taste reds, rosés, whites, and sparkling wines from Touraine-Amboise as your guide unpacks regional aromas and tasting techniques.
Vouvray winery: Visit the vineyard, fermentation room, and 10th-century cave cellars now aging Vouvray’s crisp whites and bubbly. Finish with a pro-led tasting session.
Upgrades: Pickup is available from Tours or Amboise—ideal bases for overnight stays. Tours offers museums and nightlife, while Amboise is quieter, tourist-friendly, and near three castles.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

9 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Three storybook castles by morning, vineyard-hopping by noon—all on a small-group guided day trip.

Starting point: Starts 9:30am from Tours or Amboise Tourist Office (select at booking). Arrive 15 min early; no hotel pickup.
Day out to 8-hour guided road trip by comfy minivan (max. 8 guests) to two fairytale châteaux and two Loire wine tastings with a local expert.
You’ll get: Guided tours with priority access at Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry gardens, 8+ wine tastings (white, rosé, red, sparkling), and insider tips on Loire terroir and tasting.
Azay-le-Rideau Castle: Set on an island in the Indre River, this early Renaissance gem wows with symmetry and stone reflections. Your guide shares stories of noble life and the château’s elegant spiral staircases.
Villandry Castle: The Loire’s last Renaissance castle is best known for its gardens. Stroll with your guide through floral mosaics, a Renaissance water garden, and a hedge maze made for wandering.
Wine tasting – Amboise: Taste reds, rosés, whites, and sparkling wines from Touraine-Amboise as your guide unpacks regional aromas and tasting techniques.
Vouvray winery: Visit the vineyard, fermentation room, and 10th-century cave cellars now aging Vouvray’s crisp whites and bubbly. Finish with a pro-led tasting session.
Upgrades: Pickup is available from Tours or Amboise—ideal bases for overnight stays. Tours offers museums and nightlife, while Amboise is quieter, tourist-friendly, and near three castles.

Inclusions #

Round-trip transfers in a minivan
Small-group tour of 8
Guided tour of Azay-le-Rideau Castle
Entry ticket to Villandry Castle
Guided tour of the local winery at Vouvray
Wine tastings (8 glasses minimum)
Expert English-speaking guide

Exclusions #

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Lunch/snacks
French-speaking guide

The tour is only available in English.
Pregnant guests and those with limited mobility are advised not to join due to uneven terrain and cave access.
This tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old due to safety and transport regulations.
Large suitcases are not allowed on the minivan.
Pets are not allowed.
All participants, including infants and pets, must be declared and ticketed in advance—no additions can be made on the day.
Wine tastings are reserved for guests aged 18 and over; valid ID may be required.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Château de Villandry | Located near the meeting point of the Cher and Loire rivers

Imagine stepping into a real-life fairy tale where every corner you turn reveals a new magical surprise. That’s exactly what you get when you visit the Château de Villandry!

Château de Villandry isn’t just a visit—it’s an adventure into a world of beauty, history, and whimsical gardens. So grab your camera, wear your best walking shoes, and get ready for a day of delightful discoveries!

Things to know before booking your tickets to the Château de Villandry

Children under the age of 8 enjoy free entry to the attraction. Visitors between the ages of 8 and 18 years can get a discounted ticket rate for Villandry.
Château de Villandry is open from February 10 to November 11 and from November 30 to January 5, so plan your visit accordingly.
Unlike the castle, the gardens at Villandry are open all year round.
If you want to see the Villandry gardens in bloom, then plan your visit to the attraction between April and October.
Your Château de Villandry ticket is valid throughout the day chosen by you. So, if you want to step out for lunch, you can always return to the attraction on the same day.
There is a separate ticket for the Villandry Gardens and the castle. If you want to visit both the castle and the gardens, you will have to buy individual tickets for each.

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

From Amboise or Tours: Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau & Vouvray Full-Day Guided 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

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

Find on maps.

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.