VILLANDRY

village in Indre-et-Loire dpartement, Centre rgion, France. It is situated along the Cher River southwest of Tours and is the site of a chateau built in 1532 by Jean Le Breton, the secretary of state for Franois I. The chateau is most noted for its terraced gardens, which were restored in the 20th century. Framed by low boxwood hedges, fountains, and fruit trees, the formal gardens incorporate symbolic designs to reflect themes such as love. The potager, or vegetable garden, which in the 16th century included many rarities, is also laid out in a formal, decorative style. Pop. (1990) 776.