“The velvet southern sky
begins at this point, a
radiant blue infused with light,
like the clearest of crystal.”
Hippolyte Taine (1828-1893)
The gardens of Villandry and the name of Joachim Carvallo go into the same sentence. Magnificent.
Carvallo gave up a medical career and devoted himself to restoring the gardens, which is now maintained by his descendants.
They cover 17 acres on three levels with ornamental gardens, herb gardens, a water garden, and a garden of love and music.
Tom went off on his own and left me to admire them which I did in silence and awe. He wandered off in the distance and I wondered if he was even thinking about the garden but I didn't ask.
I took photos that could never convey the scale or splendour of the layouts before me as it was impossible to do.
I knew I had to get back to spend more time here one day as we went back to the car and left.