Château de Villandry, Villandry

Excellent day out. The car parks are extensive and have picnic tables. The château and gardens are good value for money and you could spend the whole day in the gardens. The château is fascinating, and there is plenty of information in both français and English. Of you have money to burn at the end of your visit then the magasin du jardin has much better stuff than the obligatory "you can't get to the exit without going through the shop" shop. A good day out. Recommend.

The garden is perfect! Even with the rain we had a great time. Only the price is excessive: 8€ as students.

On the 10 June 1940, the French Government fled Paris in an attempt to get across the Loire river before the advancing German army could cut them off and capture them. The Foreign Ministry staff arrived at the Château de Villandry, whilst the Minister, Jean Chauvel made his way to the Château de Langeais, 25km distant. With cars "as rare as horses on the field of Bosworth", and telephones equally scarce, the only link between the two was a primitive and temperamental old field telephone. Other French Government members were billeted in different châteaux around the Loire department- this area played a short but not insignificant part in the shameful episode of French history that is May and June 1940, the pitiful end of the Third Republic.

I've now been to quite a number of the Chateau of The Loire and this was definitely my favourite- lots to see, sensational gardens and a beautiful house. I'd thoroughly recommend a visit.

The Villandry Castle is another must stop on the Loire Valley Tour. Needless to say that thr main attraction are the gardens: just amazing! Make sure you also play around the maze. Parking for free nearby.