Castle Tour
Château and Gardens of Rivau – Cultural visits Description : The Château du Rivau , a true historical monument from the 15th century , embodies the world of a fairy tale. It includes a keep, moats, a drawbridge, towers, a wall-walk, but also 16th-century royal…
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Rivau Castle and Gardens
Lémeré
Description
Château and Gardens of Rivau – Cultural visits
Description :
The Château du Rivau , a true historical monument from the 15th century , embodies the world of a fairy tale. It includes a keep, moats, a drawbridge, towers, a wall-walk, but also 16th-century royal stables , the Golden Fleece barn and the wine press .
The history of the castle begins in the 13th century, when it was built by the Beauvau family, a prestigious lineage related to the Kings of France. In 1429, at the end of the Hundred Years' War , Joan of Arc and her companions came to Rivau to find carriage horses, as the castle was already renowned for the quality of its warhorses. In 1442, Pierre de Beauvau , First Chamberlain to Charles VI, obtained permission to fortify the Rivau castle.
In the 16th century , during the Renaissance, François de Beauvau, Grand Equerry to Francis I , built monumental stables in the courtyard of the royal stables to supply the royal stallions. The legend of Gargantua was also immortalized here by the humanist writer Rabelais .
In the 17th century , the château was spared by Richelieu because his sister Françoise was married to Jean de Beauvau , Lord of Rivau. Since its complete restoration, begun about ten years ago, the château has received prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix des Friends of Vieilles Maisons Françaises in 1996 and the 1st Prix Point de Vue - Demeure Historique in 2001. Thanks to the passion of its owners, Rivau has regained its place among the jewels of the Loire Valley .
Le Rivau is much more than a medieval castle: it is a unique place, combining art, history, gardens, and the art of winemaking. This private estate, carefully and tastefully restored, attracts an exclusive clientele seeking culture and beauty.
Prices and opening hours:
The castle is open every day from March 29th to November 11th, 2025.
- Last admission: 45 minutes before closing.
Visits are self-guided with an explanatory leaflet available in French, English, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch , and the signage in the gardens is in French and English .
For groups, visits are available all year round by appointment .
The castle, open from April 1st to November 15th, is accessible from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (until 7:00 PM in July and August) for individual visitors, families, and groups by appointment. The site also offers reduced rates for children, students, job seekers, and people with disabilities.
The restaurant "La Table des Fées" offers dishes from 8 to 12 Euros , open every day from 12 pm to 2:30 pm from April 1st to September 30th . Reservations are recommended. A picnic basket for groups is available upon reservation ( 16 Euros per person ).
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Rivau Castle and Gardens
Lémeré Located 45 minutes from Tours and 10 minutes from Chinon, the Château du Rivau, a listed historical monument, offers elegance, refinement, and a change of scenery in an exceptional private residence. A jewel among the great châteaux of the Loire Valley, admirably restored and awarded the 1st prize by Point de Vue - Historic Residence, the Rivau is a <strong>unique architectural ensemble</strong> : the medieval fortress-castle, the Renaissance stables, and the wine press were <strong>immortalized by Joan of Arc and Rabelais.</strong> Spanning 6 hectares, the Rivau's gardens, inspired by tales and legends, will delight garden and nature lovers. For your prestigious private or professional events, the Golden Fleece room and the wine press provide ideal spaces for guests of varying sizes.
