The Water Garden
Above the Ornamental Garden, at the far south of the estate, is the Water Garden. This boulingrin, or sunken garden, bordered with grassy banks known as glacis, consists of an ornamental pond at the centre in the form of a Louis XV mirror, embellished here and there with square parterres of lawn, a network of perpendicular avenues and four secondary ornamental ponds.
The present-day Water Garden dates from the early 20th century. The original ornamental pond was built when the gardens of Villandry were transformed into a jardin à la française (formal garden) in the 18th century. The redevelopment of the grounds in the 19th century in the romantic English style led to the classical ornamental pond being replaced by one with more natural lines. Drawing on 18th-century designs, Joachim Carvallo recreated the ornamental pond and gave this area the clear, regular appearance it has today.
The Water Garden is made up of a mirror and 4 adjoining pools.
On each side of the central basin, there are circular basins with a central fountain.
The Water Garden is a place where great serenity reigns.
The term "mirror" is due to the fact that the water reflects the sky, so the atmosphere of the garden changes according to the weather conditions.
The Water Garden is an ideal place to take a moment to relax while visiting the gardens.
From the Wood, the gaze embraces the entire water garden.
The Water Garden seen from the sky: the Mirror basin and on each side, the four basins.
Virtual tour of the gardens of Villandry
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