Castle and Gardens of Rivau

The Chateau of Rivau is a medieval Loire Valley castle surrounded by 14 magnificent gardens. This fortress from the end of the 15th century has been neglected for a long time. The restoration of 20 years has brought it back to life by raising its true face: that of a legendary castle, surrounded by a fairy tale garden, which has become a children’s kingdom.

The medieval castle of Le Rivau was built in 1420 and was brought as a dowry by Anne de Fontenay when she married Pierre de Beauvau (first chamberlain of Charles VII) in 1438. It was in 1442 that the latter obtained the authorization to have his castle fortified. It became one of the first castles of the Loire Valley.

Pierre de Beauvau died at the Battle of Castillon which will end the Hundred Years War in 1453. It is his descendant, François de Beauvau, captain of François 1st who takes possession of the castle. In 1510, was built in the courtyard of the commons, the monumental stables that provided the royal stallions. These stables are now classified as a Historic Monument, so audiovisual projections invite visitors to relive a rich equestrian past.
The Château du Rivau includes an outdoor fortress with its keep, moat, drawbridge that are in operation, and a covered way. At the entrance of the castle you will find the coat of arms of the Beauvau family and their motto « Beauvau sans départir »
It will seduce you thanks to the conservation of furniture from the Gothic and Renaissance periods, as well as contemporary furniture thanks to the various works of art present on the site.

This castle offers you an exceptional architectural heritage, but also the scents of multiple blooms. More than 460 varieties of roses and thousands of other plants make the garden of the Château du Rivau a real botanical garden and a paradise for rose lovers and Sunday gardeners alike. Its 14 gardens will welcome you, as well as monumental works of art that will amaze you.

Enough to live a fairy tale moment with the thousand and one facets of the estate that will revive the happiness of all.

We advise you to allow a minimum of 1h30 for the visit of the castle, the gardens and the stables. Thus half a day could allow you to enjoy the estate.

Some events to come:

    Conference on the visible and the invisible in the work of Leonardo da Vinci: 1 June at 3.30 pm.
    Rose Festival: 1 and 2 June.
    Rendez vous Gardens: 8 and 9 June.
    Equestrian Games: August 10 and 11.
    Costumed visits for children during the holidays.

Opening :
From 1st May to 30th September: 10am to 7pm.
From 1st October to 4th November: 10am to 6pm.

Contact :
Le Château du Riveau
“Le Coudray”
37120 Lémeré
+33 (0)2 47 95 77 47

Distance 42 km