Exploring the Enchanting Châteaux and Vineyards of the Loire Valley

Villandry's Enchanting Embrace

Today was a day of pure visual delight. The Loire Valley continues to surprise and enchant, offering a sensory feast that resonates with my appreciation for history, art, and nature. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to explore, and to share these experiences with my family and all of you.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at the Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte. The setting was magnificent, a beautiful château hotel that exuded old-world charm. The breakfast itself was a lavish buffet, fit for royalty, with an array of pastries, cheeses, and fruits. Maximilian, as always, made a beeline for the croissants, while Elke enjoyed the selection of local cheeses. Fuelled up, we set off for the highlight of the day: the Château de Villandry.


Explore the stunning Château de Villandry, a Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley with breathtaking gardens and rich historical significance.

As we approached Villandry, the meticulously designed gardens came into view, a breathtaking tapestry of colors and shapes. The château itself is impressive, a grand country house with a rich history dating back to the Renaissance. Jean Le Breton, France's Controller-General for War under King Francis I, built it in the early 16th century. But it's the gardens that truly steal the show. They are a testament to the art of gardening, a perfect blend of form and function.

We started our exploration in the ornamental gardens, where the famous 'Love Gardens' are laid out. Each square symbolizes a different aspect of love: tender, passionate, fickle, and tragic. The boxwood hedges were perfectly manicured, creating intricate patterns that were a joy to behold. Elke was particularly taken with the 'Music Garden,' where the hedges are shaped like harps and lyres. It was truly magical, wandering through these verdant rooms, feeling the gentle breeze and soaking in the beauty.

The beauty of Villandry lies not only in its stunning gardens but also in its ability to transport you to another era, where art and nature intertwine in perfect harmony.

Next, we ventured into the vegetable garden, or *potager*, which was perhaps the most impressive of all. Divided into nine geometric squares, each featuring a different arrangement of vegetables and flowers, it was a masterpiece of design. I was fascinated by the way the gardeners combined aesthetics with practicality, creating a space that was both beautiful and productive. As a restorer of antique furniture, I appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating such a space. The vibrant colors of the vegetables – the deep purple of the eggplants, the bright green of the lettuce, the fiery red of the peppers – were a feast for the eyes. Maximilian, surprisingly, showed a keen interest in the different types of vegetables, asking questions about their origins and uses.

After spending a good couple of hours exploring the gardens, we made our way to the Diane de Poitiers Garden. This garden, named after the famous mistress of King Henry II, is a more intimate space, with a serene and romantic atmosphere. The layout is perfectly symmetrical, with climbing roses, yews, and spindle trees adding to the charm. In the center, a basin with a water jet provided a delicate touch. It was easy to imagine Diane de Poitiers herself strolling through these gardens, enjoying the peace and tranquility.


Discover the enchanting Diane de Poitiers Garden in Chenonceaux, where history, beauty, and tranquility bloom in perfect harmony.

Lunch was at Restaurant le 36, which offered beautiful views and delicious food. I opted for a classic French dish, *coq au vin*, while Elke enjoyed a fresh salad with local goat cheese. Maximilian, ever the adventurous one, tried the steak frites and declared it *fantastique*!


Experience authentic French cuisine with stunning river views at Restaurant le 36 in Amboise – where every meal is a celebration.

After lunch, we decided to take a break from the châteaux and gardens and explore the local village of Villandry. We stumbled upon a charming little bar called Sauvage, where we stopped for a refreshing drink. I ordered a glass of local Loire Valley wine, while Elke and Maximilian enjoyed some freshly squeezed orange juice. It was a perfect way to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this idyllic French village.


Discover the charm of Sauvage, a delightful wine bar in Chargé, offering exquisite wines and delicious deli fare in a cozy atmosphere.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to our accommodation, feeling tired but content. Villandry had exceeded all our expectations, offering a day of beauty, history, and culinary delights. It was a true Renaissance masterpiece, a testament to the power of art and nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

I reflected on the history of Villandry. Originally known as Colombiers, the lands where an ancient fortress once stood were acquired in the early 16th century by Jean Le Breton. Over the centuries, Villandry passed through various hands, including those of the Marquis de Castellane and Jérôme Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother. In 1906, Joachim Carvallo and his wife, Ann Coleman, purchased the property and dedicated themselves to restoring the château and gardens to their former glory. Today, their great-grandson, Henri Carvallo, manages the estate, continuing the family's commitment to preserving this historical treasure.

As someone who appreciates the value of preserving the past, I found Carvallo's dedication particularly inspiring. Restoring antique furniture is more than just a job for me; it's a way of connecting with history and ensuring that these objects continue to be appreciated for generations to come. Similarly, the Carvallo family's work at Villandry is a testament to the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

I am also deeply impressed by the blend of tradition and innovation at Villandry. The gardens, while inspired by the Renaissance, are also constantly evolving, with new plants and designs being introduced each year. This commitment to innovation ensures that Villandry remains a vibrant and relevant destination for visitors from all over the world. The International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire sounds like another event that celebrates this blend of tradition and innovation, and I'm keen to visit it sometime during our trip. Perhaps next year!

Before dinner, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the valley, I found myself pondering the beauty we had witnessed. The gardens of Villandry are not merely a collection of plants and flowers; they are a work of art, a testament to human creativity and our ability to transform the natural world into something truly extraordinary. As we prepare to explore the Royal Château of Blois and the Blois Cathedral tomorrow, I carry with me the serene beauty of Villandry, a reminder of the enduring power of art, nature, and history to enrich our lives.

Tonight, we're dining at Auberge Pom'Poire, a Michelin-starred restaurant near Azay-le-Rideau. I've heard great things about their innovative French cuisine, and I'm looking forward to a delicious meal.


Experience exquisite French cuisine at Auberge Pom'Poire in Azay-le-Rideau—a perfect blend of fine dining and cozy hospitality.

And as I sit here, penning these thoughts, I realize that the Loire Valley is more than just a collection of beautiful châteaux and gardens; it's a place where history comes alive, where art and nature intertwine, and where the simple pleasures of life – good food, good company, and beautiful surroundings – can be savored to the fullest. It is an experience that I will treasure forever.

I’m particularly excited about our visit to the Royal Château of Blois tomorrow. Its mix of architectural styles promises a fascinating glimpse into French history. And perhaps we’ll find a charming shop like La ronde des rêves to explore as well.

The Loire Valley continues to surprise and delight, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

I must remember to buy a French phrasebook – it would certainly make our interactions with the locals a little smoother. And a portable phone charger is a must, as I'm constantly using my phone for photos and navigation.

Until tomorrow,

Johann