Château du Rivau: A Fairytale Fortress and Gardens

Discover a fairytale at Château du Rivau: Where medieval history meets whimsical gardens and contemporary art in the heart of the Loire Valley.

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Château du Rivau

Château du Rivau, located in Lémeré, is a captivating castle showcasing a blend of medieval architecture, Renaissance artistry, and contemporary art. Its fairytale gardens, a designated 'Remarkable Garden' of France, feature whimsical designs and a vast collection of roses, making it a unique destination in the Loire Valley.

A brief summary to Château du Rivau

9 Rue du Château, Lémeré, 37120, FR
+33247957747
Visit website

Local tips

Visit during the rose season (May-June) to experience the gardens at their most fragrant and colorful.
Check the chateau's website for special events, such as art exhibitions, festivals, and workshops.
Allow at least 1.5 hours to explore the castle, stables, and gardens.
Book in advance for lunch or dinner at the restaurants, especially during peak season.
Consider renting a costume for children to enhance their fairytale experience.

Getting There

Car

Château du Rivau is located in Lémeré, approximately 10 km from Chinon. From Chinon, take the D749 towards Richelieu. After about 8 km, turn left onto the D116 towards Lémeré. Follow the D116 for approximately 2 km, and the château will be signposted on your left. There is a free car park on-site, about 100m from the ticket office. Note that the parking area is unpaved.
Public Transport

While there isn't direct public transport to Château du Rivau, you can take a train to Chinon from Tours or other major cities. From Chinon, you can take a taxi to the château, which is approximately 10 km away. A taxi ride from Chinon to Château du Rivau will cost approximately €20-€30. Alternatively, you can check for local bus services from Chinon to nearby villages and walk the remaining distance.

Discover more about Château du Rivau

Château du Rivau, nestled in the village of Lémeré in the Loire Valley, offers a unique experience that combines history, art, and natural beauty. This castle, a blend of medieval fortress and Renaissance château, provides visitors with a journey through time and imagination. Originally built in 1420, Rivau has a rich history, once serving as a supplier of war horses to Joan of Arc in 1429. Later, it became known for its royal stables under François de Beauvau, captain of King Francis I. Today, the castle is owned by Patricia and Eric Laigneau, who have dedicated themselves to its restoration and the creation of its enchanting gardens. The fairytale gardens are a highlight, featuring 14 distinct areas designed with a contemporary spirit. These gardens showcase a diverse collection of plants, including over 450 varieties of fragrant roses, vegetables, and contemporary sculptures. Visitors can explore the vegetable garden, Rapunzel's garden, and the enchanted forest, each offering a unique sensory experience. The gardens are designed to evoke the medieval art of gardening with a modern twist, incorporating art objects and whimsical designs. Inside the château, guests can admire Gothic and Renaissance furniture, along with contemporary art collections. The castle hosts temporary art exhibitions, blending the past and present in imaginative ways. Visitors can also dine at one of the château's restaurants, which feature local produce and Chinon wines. For those wishing to extend their stay, the château offers rooms in a modern chateau-style.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Château de Sonnay

6.4 km

Discover the timeless elegance of Château de Sonnay in the Loire Valley, where history and fine wines intertwine for an unforgettable experience.

Château de ussé

16.6 km

Discover the enchanting Château de Ussé in the Loire Valley, a historical landmark that inspired the tale of Sleeping Beauty.

Château des Ormes

25.6 km

Discover Château des Ormes: A historic French castle where aristocracy met Enlightenment, offering stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Château de Coussay

30.9 km

Discover the enchanting Château de Coussay, a historic castle that embodies the charm of French heritage and picturesque landscapes.

Château d'Oiron

34.7 km

Explore the enchanting Château d'Oiron, a captivating museum and castle blending art, history, and stunning architecture in the heart of France.

Montbazon Castle

35.8 km

Discover the rich history and stunning views at Montbazon Castle, a medieval fortress that showcases the essence of France's architectural heritage.

Mister Bed Chambray-les-Tours

38.0 km

Budget-friendly hotel in Chambray-lès-Tours, offering comfortable accommodation and easy access to the Loire Valley's attractions.

LOIRE VALLEY TOURISM

40.2 km

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich heritage of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with majestic châteaux and delightful vineyards.

Nids de Loire

41.1 km

Discover comfort and charm at Nids de Loire, your ideal holiday apartment rental in the heart of Tours, Loire Valley, France.

Escape Yourself

41.4 km

Discover the thrill of problem-solving and teamwork at Escape Yourself, Tours' leading escape room center, perfect for families and friends alike.

Mission Val de Loire

41.4 km

Preserving the UNESCO-recognized Loire Valley: history, culture, and natural beauty for future generations.

Val de Loire Travel

41.5 km

Explore the breathtaking Loire Valley with Val de Loire Travel, your expert guide to France's stunning landscapes, historic châteaux, and vibrant culture.

Info Tours

41.6 km

Explore Tours like a local with Info Tours, your go-to source for news, events, and cultural insights in the heart of this enchanting city.

Experience Val de Loire

41.8 km

Uncover the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Val de Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its châteaux and vineyards.

Le Petit faucheux

41.9 km

Immerse yourself in the local music scene at Le Petit Faucheux, an intimate live music venue in Tours, France, showcasing diverse performances.

Unmissable attractions to see

Cave de la Sibylle

8.0 km

Discover the enchanting Cave de la Sibylle in Panzoult, where exquisite Loire Valley wines meet captivating sculptures in a unique troglodyte setting, offering a memorable blend of art, history, and viticulture.

Forteresse Royale de Chinon

9.8 km

Explore the Royal Fortress of Chinon, a stunning castle rich in history, breathtaking views, and captivating exhibitions in the heart of France.

Château d'Ussé

16.5 km

Discover the fairytale magic of Château d'Ussé, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, with its stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and breathtaking Loire Valley views.

Château du Petit Thouars

18.4 km

Discover the exquisite wines and breathtaking views at Château du Petit Thouars, a premier vineyard and winery in the heart of France's wine country.

Château de l'Islette

20.1 km

Discover the enchanting Château de l'Islette, a stunning castle in the Loire Valley rich in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

20.4 km

Discover the captivating charm and rich history of Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, an exquisite Renaissance gem in the heart of the Loire Valley.

Chateau de Miniere

20.8 km

Discover the historic Château de Minière in Loire Valley: organic vineyards, exquisite wines, and centuries of female winemaking tradition.

Château de Monts sur Guesnes

22.2 km

Discover the captivating history of the Poitou region at the Château de Monts sur Guesnes, where medieval architecture meets immersive digital experiences for an unforgettable journey through time.

Confluence de la Loire et de la Vienne

22.3 km

Experience the breathtaking convergence of the Loire and Vienne rivers in the idyllic setting of Candes-Saint-Martin, a 'Most Beautiful Village'.

Cave of Goupillières

22.4 km

Explore the Cave of Goupillières in Azay-le-Rideau, a captivating troglodyte site that unveils the mysteries of ancient cave dwellings.

Maison des Vins de Bourgueil

23.0 km

Explore the art of organic winemaking at Maison des Vins de Bourgueil, where exquisite wines and local delicacies await in the heart of the Loire Valley.

CAVE OF COUNTRY BOURGUEIL

24.7 km

Explore the Cave of Country Bourgueil for a rich blend of wine tasting, local history, and a captivating underground ambiance in the heart of France.

Château de Langeais

25.4 km

Explore the enchanting Château de Langeais, a stunning medieval castle in the heart of the Loire Valley, rich in history and breathtaking architecture.

VIGNOBLE DE LA JARNOTERIE

25.8 km

Discover the charm and flavors of Vignoble de la Jarnoterie, a family-owned Loire Valley winery with historic cellars and exceptional Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil wines.

Château de Parnay - Caveau de dégustation

27.7 km

Discover the historic Château de Parnay in the Loire Valley: taste organic Saumur-Champigny wines, explore ancient cellars, and wander through the unique Clos d'Entre les Murs.

Château de Parnay - Caveau de dégustation

Essential places to dine

Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte

20.4 km

Discover exquisite haute French cuisine amidst breathtaking views at Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte in Loire Valley.

Auberge Pom'Poire

22.0 km

Experience exquisite French dining and elegant accommodations at Auberge Pom'Poire in the heart of Azay-le-Rideau.

LOIRE GOURMANDE SAS

26.3 km

Experience the essence of French cuisine at Loire Gourmande – where local flavors meet exquisite wines in Turquant's charming setting.

Le Louis XIII

36.0 km

Experience exquisite French dining at Le Louis XIII in Saint-Étienne-de-Chigny, where culinary tradition meets modern elegance.

Les Dames De La Loire

39.9 km

Experience authentic French cuisine at Les Dames De La Loire, where every dish tells a story of culinary tradition and passion.

La Roche Le Roy

41.3 km

Experience Haute French cuisine at La Roche Le Roy in Tours – where culinary artistry meets exquisite taste.

Le Baccara

41.6 km

Experience the best of French cuisine at Le Baccara in Tours - where tradition meets innovation in every bite.

O&A

41.8 km

Experience exquisite French cuisine at O&A in Tours, where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

LA MAISON DES HALLES

41.9 km

Experience authentic French cuisine at La Maison des Halles in Tours—where tradition meets modern dining excellence.

Le Chien Fou

42.0 km

Savor exquisite French cuisine at Le Chien Fou in Tours - where local flavors meet modern culinary artistry.

L accalmie

42.0 km

Experience exquisite haute French cuisine at L'Accalmie in Tours—where culinary artistry meets elegant dining.

Les Frérots restaurant

42.0 km

Experience the essence of French cuisine at Les Frérots restaurant in Tours, where tradition meets innovation in every delicious dish.

Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Tours Centre

42.1 km

Experience authentic French cuisine in a charming setting at Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude in Tours.

Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Tours Centre

Case.

42.1 km

Experience haute French cuisine at Case in Tours - where traditional flavors meet modern culinary artistry.

DAGOBERT

42.1 km

Discover the essence of French dining at Dagobert Bistro in Tours - where culinary tradition meets modern elegance.

Explore Maison Paon in Tours for unique gifts and local paper goods that capture the spirit of your travels.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Tours at Bar Café Chaud, where cocktails, jazz, and dancing create unforgettable memories.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Château du Rivau: A Fairytale Fortress and Gardens

A brief summary to Château du Rivau

Local tips

Getting There

Car

Public Transport

Unlock the Best of Château du Rivau

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Château du Rivau

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Château de Sonnay

Château de ussé

Château des Ormes

Château de Coussay

Château d'Oiron

Montbazon Castle

Mister Bed Chambray-les-Tours

LOIRE VALLEY TOURISM

Nids de Loire

Escape Yourself

Mission Val de Loire

Val de Loire Travel

Info Tours

Experience Val de Loire

Le Petit faucheux

Unmissable attractions to see

Cave de la Sibylle

Forteresse Royale de Chinon

Château d'Ussé

Château du Petit Thouars

Château de l'Islette

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Chateau de Miniere

Château de Monts sur Guesnes

Confluence de la Loire et de la Vienne

Cave of Goupillières

Maison des Vins de Bourgueil

CAVE OF COUNTRY BOURGUEIL

Château de Langeais

VIGNOBLE DE LA JARNOTERIE

Château de Parnay - Caveau de dégustation

Essential places to dine

Restaurant du Château de Rochecotte

Auberge Pom'Poire

LOIRE GOURMANDE SAS

Le Louis XIII

Les Dames De La Loire

La Roche Le Roy

Le Baccara

O&A

LA MAISON DES HALLES

Le Chien Fou

L accalmie

Les Frérots restaurant

Le Comptoir de Mamie Bigoude Tours Centre

Case.

DAGOBERT

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Saumur Le Centre

L'Heure Tranquille

Vintage

PASSAGE DU PALAIS

Monsieur Chris

MV

miraculeuse

Victoryshop

Bershka

Plum & Co

Gustave Concept Store

Levi's R Store

Kilo Shop Kawaii Tours

La Sablésienne

Maison Paon

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bar Le Corsaire

Oxford Pub

La P'tite Maiz' - Le Bar

Le Serpent Volant