Family Adventure in the Loire Valley: A Journey Through History and Nature

Enchanted Endings at Château du Rivau

As our Loire Valley adventure draws to a close, I wanted to ensure we ended on a note of pure enchantment. And what better way to do that than by immersing ourselves in the fairytale world of Château du Rivau? Today was all about whimsical gardens, historical charm, and savoring the last tastes of French cuisine before we embark on our drive back to Bonn.


Discover the captivating charm of Château du Rivau, a historical castle in the Loire Valley filled with art, lush gardens, and exquisite French cuisine.

Our day started with a delightful breakfast at Restaurant Le Château de Pray. The pastries were flaky and buttery, the coffee strong and aromatic – a perfect start to fuel our final day of exploration. Sophie was particularly thrilled with the pain au chocolat, declaring it the best she’d had on the entire trip. Andreas, ever the pragmatist, appreciated the hearty bread and local jams, commenting on how the simple pleasures are often the most satisfying.


Experience exquisite French cuisine and breathtaking views at Restaurant Le Château de Pray in Amboise.

After breakfast, we made our way to Château du Rivau. Even from a distance, the castle looked like something straight out of a storybook, with its turrets and stone walls rising majestically against the clear blue sky. As a floral designer, I was especially eager to explore the gardens, which I had read were designed with a playful, artistic touch.

And I wasn't disappointed. The gardens at Rivau are nothing short of magical. Each garden has a unique theme, from the vegetable garden inspired by Gargantua to the enchanted forest filled with whimsical sculptures. It was like stepping into a living art installation. Sophie was particularly fascinated by the potion garden, filled with aromatic herbs and flowers that looked like they belonged in a witch's brew. I took countless photos, sketching ideas in my notebook for future floral arrangements. The creativity and artistry on display were truly inspiring.

In the gardens of Château du Rivau, fairytales come alive, and every corner holds a new surprise.

Andreas, who usually prefers historical facts and architectural details, was also captivated by the gardens. He enjoyed wandering through the different themed areas, admiring the sculptures and the clever use of space. He even admitted that it was a nice change of pace from the more serious historical sites we had visited earlier in the trip.

Of course, no visit to Château du Rivau would be complete without exploring the castle itself. While smaller than some of the other châteaux we had seen, Rivau had a charm all its own. The interior was beautifully preserved, with period furniture and artwork that gave us a glimpse into the lives of the families who had lived there over the centuries. Sophie was particularly interested in the armory, marveling at the collection of swords and suits of armor.

For lunch, we ventured to Auberge Pom'Poire, a charming restaurant that came highly recommended. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with exposed wooden beams and a crackling fireplace. We indulged in some classic French dishes, including coq au vin and crème brûlée. The food was hearty and delicious, and the service was warm and friendly. It was the perfect spot to relax and refuel after a morning of exploring.


Experience exquisite French cuisine at Auberge Pom'Poire in Azay-le-Rideau—a perfect blend of fine dining and cozy hospitality.

After lunch, we returned to the Roseraie du Château, the rose garden at Château du Rivau. As a floral designer, this was the highlight of my day. The rose garden is home to over 450 varieties of roses, each one more beautiful than the last. The colors were vibrant and the fragrances intoxicating. I spent hours wandering through the garden, taking photos and sketching ideas for future floral designs. It was a truly inspiring experience.


Discover the stunning Roseraie du Château in Château-Renault, a floral paradise perfect for relaxation and photography amidst vibrant rose gardens.

Sophie, who has inherited my love for flowers, was equally enthralled by the rose garden. She helped me identify different varieties and took her own photos, eager to share them with her friends back home. Andreas, while not as passionate about flowers as Sophie and I, appreciated the beauty of the garden and the peaceful atmosphere.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at Sauvage, a local bar known for its craft cocktails and relaxed ambiance. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on our incredible journey through the Loire Valley. We sipped our drinks, sharing stories and laughing about our favorite moments from the trip.


Discover the charm of Sauvage, a delightful wine bar in Chargé, offering exquisite wines and delicious deli fare in a cozy atmosphere.

For our final dinner in the Loire Valley, we chose Auberge du Prieuré, a restaurant known for its traditional French cuisine and elegant setting. The meal was a fitting end to our culinary adventures, with each dish expertly prepared and beautifully presented. We savored every bite, knowing that it would be a while before we tasted food this good again. Sophie, who had initially been hesitant about trying new things, surprised us all by ordering the escargots and declaring them delicious.


Discover authentic French cuisine at Auberge du Prieuré in Amboise, where every dish tells a story of local tradition and flavor.

As we packed our bags for the drive back to Bonn, I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. Our time in the Loire Valley had been nothing short of magical, filled with fairytale castles, stunning gardens, and delicious food. But as much as I love traveling, there’s a certain comfort in returning home.

This trip has been a wonderful reminder of the importance of family, the joy of discovery, and the beauty that can be found in the world around us. I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences we've shared and the memories we've made.

And while our Loire Valley adventure may be over, I know that there are many more adventures to come. As I always say, the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. I can't wait to see what the next chapter holds.

Tomorrow, we begin our drive back to Bonn. It will be a long journey, but I know that we will be filled with happy memories of our time in the Loire Valley. And who knows, maybe we'll even start planning our next adventure along the way.

Until then, au revoir, and happy travels!