Accueil Discover Visit a garden The gardens of the Château of Le Rivau
THE GARDENS OF THE CHÂTEAU OF LE RIVAU: FAIRYTALE GARDENS!
At the foot of a medieval fortress near Chinon, Patricia tends to her gardens in her own unique way. A creative dreamer, she has everything it takes to be a fairy and her 14 gardens are inspired by enchanting medieval tales. Patricia is a master of contrasts, bringing together contemporary art and tradition, lavender beds and the white stone facade of the château (the famous tuffeau stone of Touraine), amorous trees twisting around each other…
Patricia and her team tend Alice’s Maze and distribute magical objects throughout the Forest and Little Thumbling’s Garden. As if that wasn’t enough, the gardens of Le Rivau are also home to 450 varieties of fragrant roses that visitors can admire and smell. In the château, cushions are installed in the mullioned windows to allow you to admire the gardens from above.
CONTEMPORARY ART AT LE RIVAU
The gardens are filled with contemporary sculptures, including a pair of boots, a watering can, a ride… Every year, artists install works inspired by fantastical worlds.
In the middle of the orchard, you will come across a pair of oversized boots and, if you look closely, you will be surprised to see that they are two left feet! The artist likes to enlarge everyday objects… like the watering can!
A giant mole poking out of the soil seems to be emerging from the underground passages that once linked Le Rivau to Chinon. Has he come to greet the visitors?
Château du Rivau
Château du Rivau
J. Damase – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
THE GARDENS OF THE CHÂTEAU OF LE RIVAU, RETURN TO CHILDHOOD!
Here, in the heart of a medieval world, children are kings. Young visitors can dress up in the château’s costumes and become knights or princesses for the day. Using the children’s booklet, Entrez dans la cour des grands, they can follow the “marvellous” children’s trail like Little Thumbling.
The fairytale gardens of Le Rivau will inspire your imagination. As you wander through them, travel back in time to the wonderful world of childhood. Noble ladies can dream as they stroll along the rose-lined walkways, while gentlemen will head straight to the Gargantua Kitchen Garden. Thankfully, everyone can meet up again in the château’s restaurant, “La Table des Fées”, which serves food made with home-grown vegetables.
THE GARDENS OF THE CHÂTEAU OF LE RIVAU, WHERE NATURE HAS ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE!
Patricia and the gardeners at Le Rivau are conscious of the importance of respecting the environment and carry out their work without using chemical fertilisers. Heirloom flowers are preferred to hybrid varieties because they attract more pollinating insects and the team aims to achieve a natural balance with the plants in order to encourage them. For example, aromatic plants such as lavender and dill, which are natural aphid repellents, grow alongside the rose bushes.
J. Damase – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Château du Rivau
EVENTS AT THE GARDENS OF THE CHÂTEAU OF LE RIVAU
Treasure hunts are held throughout the year and costumes are available for children. For adults, there is a tearoom, exhibitions and hammocks. In autumn, watch as the magic spell is cast on the pumpkin during a festive family event with juggling, storytelling, shows, tastings and the announcement of the weight of the biggest pumpkin… You won’t want to leave!
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April
11
November
2025
05
April
04
May
2025
07
June
08
June
2025
10
July
27
August
2025
09
August
10
August
2025
THE GARDENS OF THE CHÂTEAU OF LE RIVAU ARE ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PEOPLE
The visit route (reduced-mobility map available at reception) includes 12 gardens and their works of art, which comprise the main part of the visit. In the medieval château, only the first floor is accessible to people with reduced mobility and bookings should be made in advance because the visit requires staff assistance. The château regularly welcomes visitors with all kinds of disabilities and guided tours are often adapted to focus on the five senses: smell, touch, sound (music during the tour of the gardens).
FAQ
How long does it take to visit the gardens of the Château of Le Rivau?
A complete visit of the gardens of the Château of Le Rivau takes an average of 45 minutes.
Is it possible to spend the night at the Château of Le Rivau?
Yes, you can spend a night at the Château of Le Rivau. The estate has 7 contemporary, furnished rooms, each inspired by a Renaissance figure. Why wait to enjoy life in the château?
Is there a shop at the Château of Le Rivau?
Yes, the Château of Le Rivau has a shop selling craft products, souvenirs and decorative items related to the history and world of the château. You will also find books, items of the French art de vivre and local products. The shop is located in the château, near the inner courtyard, and is open every day during the château’s opening periods.
How do I book a visit to the gardens of the Château of Le Rivau?
Save time and prepare your visit to the gardens of the Château of Le Rivau by booking your ticket via the link below!
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