Things to Do Near Tours on a Weekend Getaway: Discover Château de Villandry

Touraine is the perfect destination for embracing the French art of living. Planning a weekend getaway or a long weekend in Tours? Just 20 minutes from the city centre, Château de Villandry and its magnificent gardens make for an unmissable day trip. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with the family, here are our tips and recommendations to help you plan your visit at your own pace and make the most of your stay.

Why Visit Château de Villandry and Its Remarkable Gardens?

The last of the great Renaissance châteaux built along the Loire, Château de Villandry was commissioned by Jean Le Breton and is a true architectural gem. Yet it's the spectacular gardens that really set this estate apart. Beautifully recreated in the 20th century by Joachim Carvallo and Ann Coleman, they invite visitors to explore six distinctive garden spaces, each with its own character:

• The Ornamental Kitchen Garden: Nine geometric plots where vegetables and flowers grow side by side, following the traditions of Renaissance garden design.
• The Ornamental Gardens: Famous for their carefully clipped box hedges, these gardens feature intricate designs representing different expressions of love, from tender and passionate to fickle and tragic.
• The Water Garden: A tranquil, classical-style reflecting pool provides the perfect setting to pause and take in the surroundings.
• The Herb Garden: Discover a collection of aromatic and medicinal plants traditionally used for their culinary and healing properties.
• The Hornbeam Maze: A favourite with families, this leafy maze offers a fun way to explore the grounds together.
• The Sun Garden: A more recent addition to the estate, this colourful garden features warm hues and a beautiful rose garden.

How to Get to Château de Villandry from Tours

Staying in central Tours makes it easy to explore the surrounding Loire Valley and enjoy some of the region's most beautiful sights. Getting to Villandry is straightforward, with scenic routes to suit both drivers and cyclists.

• By car: The château is around a 20-minute drive from Tours, via the D952 or D7.
• By bike: For a more leisurely way to explore the area, cycle approximately 20 km along La Loire à Vélo, following the designated cycling route beside the Cher River.

How Much Does a Visit Cost, and How Long Should You Allow?

To help you plan your day, here's an overview of indicative admission prices for 2026.

Good to know: Admission is free for children under 8. Allow around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to explore the château's furnished interiors and wander through the gardens at your leisure, without feeling rushed.

Why Stay at Nemea Appart’Hotel During Your Trip?

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference to your getaway. Located in the heart of Tours, our Résidence Quai Victor Tours Centre is an ideal base for exploring the city and the surrounding area. Discover our serviced accommodation in Tours and enjoy the perfect balance of hotel-style comfort and the freedom of your own space.

Every apartment features a fully equipped kitchenette, making it easy to prepare a picnic before setting off on a cycling trip to Villandry. After a day spent exploring the gardens on foot, you can unwind in our heated indoor swimming pool. Travellers exploring the region by bike will also appreciate our dedicated bicycle storage facilities, providing a convenient place to keep their bikes secure.

What to Do in Tours in the Evening

In the evening, leave your car or bike at the residence and explore the historic heart of Tours on foot. Admire the impressive cathedral before heading to Place Plumereau, one of the city's most iconic squares. Known for its charming half-timbered houses, lively café terraces and welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or a meal and soak up the local way of life.