Day 13
The magic gardens of Villandry.
Chinon Market and the Wines of Bourgueil
Joachim Carvallo and Ann Coleman were the couple that, in
the early 20th century, bought Chateau Villandry and created the 16th
century style gardens that you can enjoy today. The chateau was built in 1536.
We were there today and, with the aid of two very good booklets, enjoyed both
the house and the gardens.
While the gardens are undoubtedly the star of the place
there are many treasures inside the building. The one that really stood out was
the Mudejar ceiling, which combines elements of both Christian and Moorish art
and was brought by Carvallo from a 15th century palace in Toledo.
From the chateau you step out on to high terraces
overlooking the gardens and can walk all around, going down to different levels
as you wish. The Ornamental Garden, also known as the Love Garden, is best seen
from above but you do get closer to the Water Garden (most of the water is
recycled) and there is also a Sun Garden and a Maze.
Perhaps
the real star is the ornamental kitchen garden where flowers and vegetables
mix, well over 115,000 of them! There is a standard rose bush in each plot. The
work is ongoing. It takes four gardeners three months each year to prune the
1,015 lime trees! Also needing pruning are the box trees which, if placed end
to end, would measure a distance of 52km. All in all, quite a spectacle
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| The Christian/Arab ceiling |
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| Hot at the chateau today! |
After that, it was time for a drink and we headed to the
Maison Jean Carmet des Vins de Bourgueil.
Bourgueil wasn’t really damaged by the hailstones earlier in the year so
they are looking forward to a good harvest. After a rapid fire tasting, I
decided to concentrate on the good years there of 2005, 2009 and 2010. That
filled a carton and off we went, intent on dinner.
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| House of wines! |
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| My man at the market for wine, beer and juice. |
It was already in the fridge. First job of the day had been
a visit to the local market. Among other stalls, we called to the Asian specialist
we met last week and bought those fantastic spring rolls again. Main course though
is beef “with three delicacies”. Sipping a local craft beer now in
anticipation!
By the way, the crowd at the market was well down on last
week. Looks as if most of the holiday
makers have headed home.
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| St Joan of Arc rides in to the market |
