Chateau de Villandry (June 4)

Although it was a bit of a drive, I went to Villandry.  This chateau is not only interesting on the inside, but has 7 gardens or garden spaces as well.  Gaping catfish greet you.

There is nothing much left of the original building on the site from the 1100s.  This circular tower, the keep, is all that remains, and you can climb to the top and get a great view of the estate.

Inside there is some sumptuous decor, but this haphazard setting of knives and forks bothered me - they need a measuring stick, like they have in Downton Abbey (or a tape measure, as I've been known to use).

Some great patterns.

 Quilt design, anyone?

Each room has a different view onto the amazing gardens.  All beautifully planned and thought through.  Impressive.

I saw two pairs of swans - symbols of love and fidelity.

One of the gardens was a maze, which I walked through of course, and this is the vista along the herb garden.

The resident cat has the best life - it has non-stop entertainment from all the birds, and plenty of trees to sharpen its claws on!