Château du Rivau
Château du Rivau
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Castle and Fairytale Gardens Le Rivau was constructed in the 15th century by Pierre de Beauvau, Great Chamberlain of Charles the 7th. It is also renown for having been visited by Joan of Arc on her way to Orleans to get some horses. This medieval private castle is animated by more than 380 art-objects. In the royal stables, an exhibit on Francis the First last king-knight is shown. Gem among the Loire Valley, Rivau Gardens are labbled 'Remarquable Gardens'. All around the year, discover our amazing flower collections of bulbs, iris, peonies, roses, lavender, dahlias, ornemental grasses and vegetables. Rivau gardens are Conservatory of Fragrant Roses and Conservatory of Vegetables that are used in our restaurant. The castle and gardens are suitable for the whole family, adults will be interested in botanic, history and contemporary art and kids will be transported in a fairytale like environnement.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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7 within 3 miles
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48 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
881 reviews
Excellent
525
Very good
250
Average
60
Poor
28
Terrible
18
Alex Under Water
Castle Forbes Bay, Australia355 contributions
Sep 2022
Before and after lunch at The Secret Garden of this Chateau we spend a couple of hours admiring the work that is undertaken to maintain this jewel. As committed growers of our own vegies in Tasmania these gardens gave us some ideas of what to combine and how to improve growing profiles. Not just beautifully presented but also highly productive, this garden is suitable for families with small children that wish to follow the Fairy Track. Having seen the massive formal Villandry gardens, this was a nice change of scenery and something we were able to relate to. The idea of growing climbing roses through fruit trees is something we might play with at home as well. Including lunch, we spend nearly 5 - hours at the Chateau. Because we are RHS members, the garden entree's have been FREE at the participating Chateau's .
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your very kind comment. We are delighted that you enjoyed our remarkable gardens and that they inspired you. So maybe you take a little bit of Le Rivau with you to Tasmania ! Best regards
Written September 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Di D
Miami, FL429 contributions
Oct 2021
We paid entrance for 4 persons. Unbelievably, they had men walking in the grounds with leaf blowers for the duration of our visit. It was so loud and the smell of diesel from the engine, completely intrusive to visiting the gardens. Why do that when you have 100 visitors? Can't you get the garden tidy before the 10am entrance? We complained. We were met with a shrug of the shoulders.
The art in the chateau was too strange for our tastes. Like the little house of horrors.
We visited more than 10 chateaus in the Loire Valley. All others were wonderful. This one - we recommend to avoid.
The art in the chateau was too strange for our tastes. Like the little house of horrors.
We visited more than 10 chateaus in the Loire Valley. All others were wonderful. This one - we recommend to avoid.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corinne M
Birmingham, UK227 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Great for kids because of its fairy tales themed gardens, this a private château so you can only visit 4 medieval rooms, which are outstanding. There is an expensive restaurant on site as well as a more affordable café & tea room. Buy yr tickets in Tours tourist office as it is cheaper ( 10.50€ instead of 12.50). You can picnic in the gardens too.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mariedesjardins
Prince George, Canada6,906 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I took a taxi to Chateau du Rivau from Chinon, but even getting one from the train station isn’t easy for this short distance. The gardens were very beautiful mixed with vegetables and flowers. There is a small wooded area out back with peacocks and other unique birds. The gift shop offered food items made from the garden along with the usual souvenirs. There is also a small cafe onsite.
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ToujoursLaRoute
Paris, France1,214 contributions
May 2023
Small castle far from the Loire river. Very nicely refurbished by the new owner, impressive work of restauration nicely depicted. The tour of gardens is fast, some nice roses and also some strange work of arts (like the famous giant boots...). I think it could be a nice to rent one of the five rooms at the castle...and feel like a chastelain...
Written May 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comment. Our hotel, located in the heart of the domain, in the former royal stables, offers a timeless experience. You can live the life of a lord for the duration of your stay, thanks to the combination of modern comforts and ancient furnishings in our 4-star hotel !
Written May 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Moleseyboy
London, UK384 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This is an unusual chateau in as much as it has been renovated only in the last 30 years and in a manner which combines the ancient & the modern.
For the purists, it’s probably not going to tick all your boxes, but for the more broad-minded, the eclectic nature of the exhibits, and the combination of animatronic, multi-media, fresco, hunting trophies, a remarkable homage to Joan of Arc and artwork from Coons, Mapplethorpe and many others is very engaging.
The gardens are wonderful, both for their creativity and informality, in spite of the milieu. There is a maze, which is fun, and numerous interesting artworks juxtaposed with beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers.
There is a glorious vegetable garden, which supplies the restaurants, and an interesting explanation of the history of the place, up to and including its acquisition by the current owners.
We lunched under large umbrellas in the courtyard in front of the main entrance, with friendly service, and freshly prepared food.
All in all a wonderful afternoon.
For the purists, it’s probably not going to tick all your boxes, but for the more broad-minded, the eclectic nature of the exhibits, and the combination of animatronic, multi-media, fresco, hunting trophies, a remarkable homage to Joan of Arc and artwork from Coons, Mapplethorpe and many others is very engaging.
The gardens are wonderful, both for their creativity and informality, in spite of the milieu. There is a maze, which is fun, and numerous interesting artworks juxtaposed with beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers.
There is a glorious vegetable garden, which supplies the restaurants, and an interesting explanation of the history of the place, up to and including its acquisition by the current owners.
We lunched under large umbrellas in the courtyard in front of the main entrance, with friendly service, and freshly prepared food.
All in all a wonderful afternoon.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your kind message! We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit. Indeed, the Château du Rivau is multiple, with fairy-tale gardens, contemporary art, a touch of humor, and two restaurants in the heart of the domain !
Written September 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cassandra H
3 contributions
Apr 2022
We stayed the night in the hotel and had a lovely time. The room was immaculate and comfortable, and it felt like a very special experience to have the grounds to ourselves once it closed to the public. The breakfast in the am was amazing - exceeded expectations. As did Thomas, the property manager/reception host. He helped us with dinner recommendations and allowed us a private tour of the castle, helped with all bags and was generally just lovely.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a comment about your stay. It was a pleasure welcoming you to the Château. We are very happy to see that you enjoyed your stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Kind regards
Written May 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tricia CM
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We LoVED Chateau du Rivau! The gardens are vibrantly beautiful, with lots of garden art. and even a thriving vegetable garden used for their restaurants. The castle is fascinating, nicely furnished, and includes a huge collection of hunting trophies and some key historical information about Joan of Arc. Elsewhere on the spacious grounds is a rose garden, a kids only castle, a shady play and picnic area and (are you ready for this?) another shady glen filled with soft orange hammocks (my favorite)!! The restaurant was way too busy, but the food was good once we finally got it. They have a gift shop too. Can’t wait to go back on my next trip to the area!
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted that you enjoyed the medieval castle and its 15 fairytale gardens.
In fact, the gardens are home to numerous botanical collections, including 500 varieties of roses and, at this time of year, more than 40 varieties of cucurbits. Our gardens are an invitation to relax and take your time. For the restaurant, we suggest you to book in advance. We hope to welcome you again soon !
Written September 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
fenella f
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
A magical visit with 2 eager 6/7 year olds (even on a rainy afternoon). Huge thanks to Justine who led the children on a wonderful tour of the castle dressed as knights- finished w mini sword fight and tour of the labyrinth - perfect afternoon. Would have been a bit improved for mum if the cafe was open after 1430 but still wonderful!
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you ! We are delighted that the children enjoyed the costumed guided tour and exploring the site.
Written September 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aneta G
23 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Very beautiful place. Lovely day out. Charming. Quirky. Fairy tale. Well organised. Restaurant. Garden. Peaceful. Very nice place for walking, eating and lear some history. Very good job of the family to restore the Chateau. Thank you. We are looking forward to visit again on a Miusic Evening or Fastival day.
..we will.use your restaurant
..we will.use your restaurant
Written June 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
is parking available at the Chateau or nearby?
Thank you.
Written December 30, 2022
Sorry guys. In New Zealand at the moment and lost my Tripadvisor computer, just logged into somebody else' without my profile on it! Almost all the Chateaus we visited have parking on-site or very close nearby.
Written February 23, 2023
Bonjour en faisant du picking dans les commentaires je ne vois rien concernant les spectacles de joute?
Written July 15, 2017
Château du Rivau
Lemere, France
Bonjour,
Nos joutes ont lieu chaque année le deuxième week-end d'août. Elles ne se déroulent qu'une fois dans l'année avec un partenariat avec le château de Brézé: un premier tournois à lieu là bas en juillet et en août, la revanche se fait au Rivau. Cette année, le château du Rivau est gagnant de la première manche... Il reste à voir si nous remporterons le tournois le 13 août !
Vous pourrez trouver quelques commentaires à ce sujet en filtrant vos recherches par période.
Pour plus de renseignements vous pouvez vous rendre sur notre site internet sur la page dédiée aux joutes.
En espérant vous avoir davantage informé,
Bien cordialement,
L'équipe du Rivau
Written July 20, 2017
Pouvez vous nous dire si les petits chiens sont acceptés
En tout cas, toutes nos félicitations suite au reportage de TF1
Written March 25, 2017
Château du Rivau
Lemere, France
Merci pour votre question. Nous sommes ravis de recevoir les chiens de toutes tailles mais tenus en laisse.
Merci beaucoup
Written March 25, 2017
combien coute l 'entrée de ce chateau car j'aimerai le faire visiter a mes cinq petits enfants?
Written August 21, 2016
Château du Rivau
Lemere, France
Bonjour Mauricette et merci à vous tous pour vos réponses qui, en plus, sont toutes justes :)
Si cela vous dit, nous proposons des visites guidées costumées du château tous les après-midis à 15h ou des chasses au fantômes du jeudi au dimanche à 11h. Les animations sont à 3,5€/personne. Vous pouvez également louer un costume à vos petits-enfants pour 3,5€.
A bientôt au Rivau
Written August 23, 2016
Est ce que cela vaut la peine de le visiter fin mars (dès l'ouverture) ou est ce mieux de revenir dans la région en été ?
Written November 28, 2015
Château du Rivau
Lemere, France
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre question, la spécificité des jardins du Rivau est d'avoir toujours 2 jardins à l'honneur en fonction des saisons. A l'ouverture, la forêt enchantés et les plantes de sousbois sont à l'honneur - de meme que le verger avec les bulbes.
En aout, c'est le jardins du petit poucet avec les graminés et les dahlias...
Plus de détails sur notre site web avec les jardins à chaque mois dans la rubrique Jardin.
Bonne soiree,
CL
Written December 7, 2015
458martin
Vicente Lopez, Argentina
Hola me gustaría saber como llegar al castillo -al que ya tengo una reserva para el 9/2- salgo de barcelona. Gracias Martin
Written February 2, 2015
Hola Martin,
El Castillo es cerado fino a April :-(
Written February 17, 2015
458martin
Vicente Lopez, Argentina
Hola me gustaría saber como llegar al castillo -al que ya tengo una reserva para el 9/2- salgo de barcelona. Gracias Martin
Written February 2, 2015
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