Visit the Gardens of the Loire Valley

If you visit at the end of May, you will likely also notice the heady perfume of roses—hundreds of them—that have earned this village the name of Rose City. In 1988, the Mayor, whose wife was a keen gardener, decided to create something special in this village. He purchased 700 roses and gave them to the residents (the current population is ~600), and that was the start of their annual 2-day ‘Festival des Roses’. Yet JJ assures you that the village is truly remarkable at any time of year, as there is something new every season.

While Chédigny may not have a grand château or gardens that are several centuries old, “it feels very personal,” comments JJ. And although the gardens themselves are private, garden walls are low and the façades of many buildings are festooned with climbing roses and wisteria so there is plenty to see and enjoy.

Allow 1 hour.

There are two main garden areas, both formal in style, as well as a green garden and kitchen garden. The garden of Diane de Poitiers, on the right side of the château, consists of eight large lawn parterres decorated with curving scrolls of santolina around a central fountain. On the left, the garden of Catherine de Medicis features five panels of lawn surrounding an elegant circular pond and punctuated by spheres of boxwood.

“While the gardens are truly beautiful, it is the floral displays in the château that really steal the show,” reflects JJ. The head florist, Jean-Francois Bouchet, holds the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (Best Artisan in France) and creates “jaw-dropping” arrangements, marrying the colors of his chosen materials to those of the antique tapestries hanging in the galleries. (You can find him here on Instagram)

Allow 2-2.5 hours

JJ also appreciates the variety of events held at Villandry, which she says are enjoyed as much by locals as by tourists. ‘Nights of a Thousand Lights’ is especially beautiful when the garden is lit by candlelight. Costumed minstrels stroll the grounds, while the fireworks display and digital wall projections delight children and adults alike.

Allow 3-5 hours