Château de Villandry

The gardens of the historic Château de Villandry might well be the most impressive in the Loire Valley – and that's really saying something! You could spend a whole day roaming through the immaculately arranged variety of plants, herbs, vegetables and water features, which contrast beautifully with the sober elegance of the château's architecture. Full of history, the site of the château was once a 14th-century keep where a truce between France and England was discussed, as well as a gift once acquired by Napoleon Bonaparte for his brother.