Gardens of the Chateau de Villandry — France from above. These are considered perhaps the most romantic gardens in the world. There are three garden styles, the farthest away is the formal water garden, the 2-part ornamental garden has topiary hedges ripe with symbolism for love including for the “Garden of Love” and the “Garden of Music.” The third type of garden at Chateau de Villandry is a decorative kitchen garden. Photo #2 by Yann Arthus-Bertrand via wallcoo

The Château de Villandry is a castle-palace located in Villandry, in the département of Indre-et-Loire, France.

The lands where an ancient fortress once stood were known as Colombier until the 17th century. Acquired in the early 16th century by Jean Le Breton, France’s Controller-General for War under King Francis I, a new château was constructed around the original 14th-century keep where King Philip II of France once met Richard I of England to discuss peace. It is also known for its beautiful gardens.

The château remained in the Le Breton family for more than two centuries until it was acquired by the Marquis de Castellane. During the French Revolution the property was confiscated and in the early 19th century, Emperor Napoleon acquired it for his brother Joseph Bonaparte.

In 1906, Joachim Carvallo purchased the property and poured an enormous amount of time, money and devotion into repairing it and creating what many consider to be the most beautiful gardens anywhere. Its famous Renaissance gardens include a water garden, ornamental flower gardens, and vegetable gardens. The gardens are laid out in formal patterns created with low box hedges