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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.

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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

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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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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Discover more about Château du Rivau

Château du Rivau offers a unique experience, transporting visitors to a world where history, art, and nature intertwine. Originally built in 1420, the Château du Rivau has evolved from a stronghold into an elegant manor house. In 1429, Joan of Arc herself visited Rivau to acquire horses for the siege of Orléans, recognizing the site's long-standing reputation for breeding quality warhorses. The castle's exterior retains its medieval character with a keep, drawbridge and moats, while the interior showcases a blend of Renaissance architecture and contemporary art. The fairytale gardens are a major draw, featuring twelve distinct garden spaces recognized as remarkable gardens of France. These gardens display a collection of over 300 roses and contemporary sculptures by various artists, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can explore the vegetable garden, the Cassinina and Rapunzel gardens, and other themed areas, each offering a unique sensory experience. Inside the castle, guests can admire Gothic and Renaissance furniture alongside contemporary art collections. The dining hall features a 16th-century fresco depicting the Feast of Belshazzar. The Royal Stables, dating back to 1510, once housed royal stallions and now feature an exhibit on the history of the King's horses. The Château du Rivau offers a magical and humorous experience for all ages.

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