Château du Rivau: A Fairytale Fortress and Gardens
Discover a fairytale castle in the Loire Valley with stunning gardens, art, and history at Château du Rivau.
Château du Rivau, located in Lémeré, France, is a captivating blend of medieval fortress and Renaissance château, complete with fairytale gardens. Once a significant agricultural estate, it now charms visitors with its harmonious architecture, contemporary art, and enchanting atmosphere.
A brief summary to Château du Rivau
- 9 Rue du Château, Lémeré, 37120, FR
- +33247957747
- Visit website
Local tips
- Allow at least 1.5 hours to explore the castle, stables, and gardens fully; half a day is ideal for a leisurely visit.
- Visit during the warmer months to see the gardens in full bloom, especially the roses.
- Check the Château du Rivau website for special events and activities, especially if visiting with children.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the on-site restaurants, such as La Table des Fées, which uses produce from the gardens.
- Dogs are welcome in the gardens but not in the castle rooms.
Getting There
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Driving
From Tours, take the A10 highway towards Bordeaux and Poitiers. Exit at Sainte Maure de Touraine (Exit 25), then follow the signs for Chinon and Château du Rivau. From Angers or Saumur, take the A85 highway towards Tours and exit at Chinon/Bourgueil (Exit 5), following signs to the château. The Château du Rivau provides free private parking. Two parking spaces are reserved for visitors with reduced mobility, located 100m from the ticket office.
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Public Transport
From Tours, take a train to Chinon. From Chinon, you can take a taxi to Château du Rivau, approximately 12 km away. Taxi fares from Chinon to Lémeré typically range from €20-€30. Alternatively, some local buses may serve the route, but schedules should be checked in advance due to limited service.
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