{"id":2440,"date":"2022-11-13T17:01:55","date_gmt":"2022-11-13T16:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/chateau-rivau\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T14:31:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T12:31:42","slug":"chateau-rivau-castle-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/chateau-rivau-castle-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau (castle photos + tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From its past as a seigniorial fortress, the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau has kept a <strong>human size<\/strong>. From the renaissance, it has inherited a fairy <strong>tale<\/strong> architecture. From its agricultural vocation, it has preserved <strong>remarkable gardens<\/strong>. From its current owners, who live in the Rivau castle, it makes dialogue between renaissance and <strong>contemporary art<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Come with us along the Veude Valley, to discover the bewitching<strong> Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/strong>: keys to its architecture, a guide to appreciate its lush gardens, tips for a successful visit and, like us, succumb to its charm!<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/chateau-rivau-castle-visit.jpeg\" alt=\"Ch&#xE2;teau du Rivau (castle and gardens)\" class=\"wp-image-1572\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide is completely <strong>independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau?<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau worth it? Our opinion:<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe not the most impressive one we visited, but definitely one of the most <strong>enchanting<\/strong> castles of the Loire Valley:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> <strong>The layout of<\/strong> its various buildings (castle, tithe barn, stables...) betrays its initial vocation of protecting agricultural land and takes you directly to the heart of its glorious past.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the perfectly harmonious marriage of medieval and renaissance <strong>architecture<\/strong>, which gives Le Rivau the appearance of a fairy tale castle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the <strong>15 gardens<\/strong> that take you into a marvellous, fantastical world in perfect harmony with the rest of the ch\u00e2teau.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>bold<\/strong> and sometimes demanding <strong>dialogue<\/strong> between Renaissance furniture and contemporary art in the ch\u00e2teau's historic rooms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the <strong>hotel and restaurant<\/strong> offer that allows you to live a total and truly unforgettable experience in this castle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our opinion, it's one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most beautiful ch\u00e2teaux in the Loire<\/a> Valley.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-gzQQr7w\/0\/656a8007\/L\/chateau-rivau-3-L.jpg\" alt=\"castle and gardens&#10;  du Rivau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Castle and gardens of Rivau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the end of the evening, while looking at the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau through the window from our room, after having dined under the green veranda facing the house, Beaudelaire's verses came to us: <strong>\"There, all is order and beauty, Luxury, calm and pleasure<\/strong>\".<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">WHERE TO STAY IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Saumur<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_sans_border gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre2 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Downtown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Saint Pierre<\/strong> - a historic stay! - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/hotel-saint-pierre.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">see prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Ch\u00e2teau La Marquise<\/strong> - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/chateau-la-marquise-saumur50.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Anne d'Anjou<\/strong> - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/hotelannedanjou.html?aid=2274925\">prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Saumur\/Hotels\/n-jzb5LT\/Saint-Pierre\/i-3MkShBt\/0\/e893ac19\/S\/saint-pierre-bar-1-S.jpg\" alt=\"Hotel Saint Pierre\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>In the countryside around<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Angers? Here's our suggestion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Demeure de la Vignole<\/strong> -<a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/demeure-de-la-vignole.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"> prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel Joly Foudres<\/strong> - unusual in barrels - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/les-quot-joly-quot-foudres-vaudelnay.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>Hotel de l'abbaye de Fontevraud<\/strong> - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/fontevraud-l-39.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Hotels\/Insolite-Joly-Foudres\/i-DJ2KPWQ\/0\/c227aacd\/S\/Hebergement_insolite_Loire_tonneau-S.jpg\" alt=\"Hotel Joly Foudres\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-saumur-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See our reviews of the best hotels in Saumur<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons planif_bouton is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.html?city=-1469710&amp;nflt=review_score%253D90%253Breview_score%253D80&amp;aid=2274925&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See all available accommodations<strong> --&gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box-texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau famous?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau is known today, it owes a lot to everything that surrounds it:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Its <strong>15 remarkable gardens<\/strong>, among <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-gardens-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the most beautiful Loire gardens<\/a> we've visited. They transport you into a <strong>dreamlike universe<\/strong>, while ensuring the preservation of the <strong>horticultural heritage <\/strong>of the Loire Valley (conservatories of the scented rose and squash).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its <strong>royal stables<\/strong>, typical of the second renaissance. They form an L shape and are built on 2 floors. They could hold between 30 and 40 warhorses. Several kings of France raised their horses there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For <strong>the almost magical atmosphere<\/strong> that rises from this place. The term \"fairy tale castle\" is often used in the Loire and sometimes in an exaggerated way. In our opinion, Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau is one of the 5 or 6 that can really claim to be one!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-kQK95fJ\/0\/46fa3250\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardins-L.jpg\" alt=\"The fairy trail in the Rivau gardens\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The fairy trail in the Rivau gardens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History in brief<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Middle Ages<\/strong>: as early as the <sup>13th<\/sup> century, a stronghold protected the harvests of neighboring lands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Renaissance<\/strong>: the ch\u00e2teau was built in the early Renaissance, in the <sup>15th<\/sup> century, before being fortified by <strong>Pierre de Beauveau<\/strong>, advisor to King Charles VII and a valiant fighter, from 1442. The wooden stables were replaced by the second Renaissance style <strong>stables<\/strong> in 1510. The stables have been renowned for their horses since the <sup>13th<\/sup> century, and it is said that Joan of Arc stopped here on her way to the siege of Orl\u00e9ans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loireloversdev.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Blason_Rivau_2011.jpg\" alt=\"Coat of arms of the Beauceau family\" class=\"wp-image-972\" style=\"width:446px;height:464px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Coat of arms of the Beauveau family<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>By Carolai - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=25425433<\/em><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Revolution<\/strong>: Ch\u00e2teau du RIvau was spared by the revolutionaries, but its land was confiscated and reduced to 6 hectares (compared with 1200 hectares of arable land, including 45 hectares of vines in the <sup>17th<\/sup> century!) It gradually fell into oblivion, having changed hands several times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contemporary period<\/strong>: 2 enthusiasts of heritage, real estate and art, Eric and Patricia Laigneau, originally from Touraine, bought the castle and the outbuildings, before restoring the gardens to their former glory. The restoration work will last 17 years, but they can open it to the public in 2000.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#d0e7ff;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">WHERE TO STAY IN THE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Loire Valley<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#d0e7ff\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:14px;flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Our independent picks for <strong>the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-loire-valley-best-areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to stay in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/stay-chateau-hotel-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-luxury-hotel-loire-valley-5-star-reviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best luxury hotels<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotel-Chateau-Chissay\/i-pS6Jsk2\/1\/65123b4b\/L\/chateau-hotel-chissay-11-L.jpg\" alt=\"Chateau de Chissay\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#d0e7ff\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:14px;flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Or, if you've chosen your destination, the <strong>best hotels<\/strong> in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-hotel-nantes-where-stay-reviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nantes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-angers-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Angers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-saumur-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-tours-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tours<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-amboise-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amboise<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-blois-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blois<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Blois\/n-DXvSZK\/Hotel-Fleurs-de-Loire\/i-kctWvT8\/1\/CDqwKRVtHR5vB9NfPN2Cmj5VkjWxW5CR3bbLbvtNT\/L\/blois-fleurs-loire-L.jpg\" alt=\"Fleur de Loire Hotel in Blois\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips and map: Rivau Castle, France<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the commune of L\u00e9m\u00e9r\u00e9, in the department of Touraine (37)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from Tours: 50 min<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from Angers: 1 h 10<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from Blois: 1 h 25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from Orleans: 2h<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving time from Nantes: 2 h<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/map-Chateau-du-Rivau-castle-Loire-Valley-1024x676.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2008\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Where is the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau : the map<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get there<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relatively <strong>isolated<\/strong> on the borders of Anjou and Poitou, access is by car, with easy roads, even in stormy weather...<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tours TGV<\/strong> station is less than an hour's drive away.  <br\/>To <a href=\"https:\/\/track.effiliation.com\/servlet\/effi.redir?id_compteur=22819431&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sncf-connect.com%2Fen-en%2F&amp;effi_id=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">book your train ticket<\/a>, click here!<br\/><\/p>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#e5ecf3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse box_planif is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Loire<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:14px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compare prices on our preferred platform: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/france?a_aid=zigzag&amp;chan=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DiscoverCars<\/a> - one of the best rated sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a <strong>fairly compact car<\/strong> (many villages have narrowed the road).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about<strong>full insurance<\/strong> (parking in big cities is really tight).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a lot of demand, <strong>book it early<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-3 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"280\" height=\"354\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4051\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png 280w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire-237x300.png 237w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns planif_bouton is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:57.14%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/fr\/france?a_aid=zigzag&amp;chan=LL\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See the cars  <strong>    <\/strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4676\" style=\"width: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42.86%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/how-to-rent-car-france-hire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>See our tips<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parking<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A large dedicated parking lot awaits you less than 100m from the entrance of the castle.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-pZdXSsB\/0\/e6990d24\/L\/chateau-rivau-parking-L.jpg\" alt=\"Parking of the Ch&#xE2;teau du Rivau&#10;\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Parking of the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time to visit Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for all the Loire castles, the <strong>summer months <\/strong>are the busiest, but it remains bearable in this castle a little away from the big tourist sites. What should help you select your visit date is the <strong>garden<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-BRs43qJ\/0\/7db5af83\/L\/chateau-rivau-potager-L.jpg\" alt=\"Gargantuan squash and pumpkins\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gargantuan squash and pumpkins in September!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patricia Lagneau, the owner and horticultural enthusiast, has chosen to play with the different flowering periods so that you can enjoy <strong>at least two gardens in bloom<\/strong>. To see according to your tastes, but some points of reference:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The fragrant roses will spread their scent from June.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The grasses will come floating in the wind from mid-August.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The irises will be in bloom by the beginning of May.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The lavenders will be in full bloom and will come to intermingle their scent in June.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The vegetable garden and its squash will be really impressive starting in September.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#fefefe;margin-top:6%;margin-bottom:6%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">A LITTLE MORE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make <strong>your stay in the Loire Valley<\/strong> a success, will <strong>soon be gathered<\/strong> in a single ebook!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container ebook-radius-waitlist gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><div class=\"wp-block-image ebook-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-640x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9500\" style=\"width:200px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-640x1024.png 640w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-188x300.png 188w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-768x1229.png 768w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long to visit the castle and main difficulties<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Duration of visit:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For <strong>exteriors and common areas:<\/strong> 45min to 1h<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inside<\/strong> the ch\u00e2teau: a minimum of 1 hour, and much more if you're a contemporary art enthusiast and want to decipher each work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the <strong>gardens<\/strong>: 1 hour minimum and several days if you let yourself be invaded by the poetry of the place!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-tdXWD9S\/0\/1cda16f7\/L\/chateau-rivau-paon-L.jpg\" alt=\"Peacock Poster\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Watch out, you naughty peacocks!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Difficulties:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>no particular difficulty for the exteriors and gardens, everything is <strong>on the same level<\/strong> and very accessible, the distances to be covered are modest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>as in all castles, you will have to take <strong>stone stairs <\/strong>to visit the different rooms of the castle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advice on how to visit<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For once, unlike most of our visits, we do not recommend any <strong>particular direction<\/strong>. Each part (exterior, interior and gardens) takes you into very different worlds and what binds them together is the magic of the place. There is no chronological or architectural logic to decipher.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only thing that should guide you is the weather or the crowd, and above all your inspiration and pleasure!<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau with children<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because of its relatively small size, <strong>the castle is suitable for children<\/strong>. The dreamlike world of <strong>fairy-tale<\/strong> gardens can be a source of motivation and interest.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-nXNXx32\/0\/b51d89aa\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardins-fee-L.jpg\" alt=\"Fairy tale garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fairy tale garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The interiors may be a little more difficult to access, although Eugenie has surprised us several times with her unfiltered and often relevant reading of contemporary works.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The castle offers <strong>specific activities for children<\/strong> during the school vacations. Registration is possible from their website.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To <strong>facilitate the visit<\/strong>, the teams of the castle propose all the year:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Costume tours (children's costume rentals: +\u20ac3.50; free for the third costume rented)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Game books for 3-5 and 6-10 year-olds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Children's magazine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the best Loire ch\u00e2teaux to visit with children - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-loire-valley-castles-with-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">see our list<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Schedules and prices<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rates :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>full adult: \u20ac13.50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>children aged 5 to 18: \u20ac7.50<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>family: \u20ac35 for 2 adults + 2 children<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Schedules:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>open daily from April 1 to November 1  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>April 1 to 30 and October 1 to November 1: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May 1 to September 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the latest prices\/times on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chateaudurivau.com\/fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guided tours<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guided tours are offered every day by Art History students. You have to add <strong>3,50\u20ac<\/strong> to the entrance ticket. Don't arrive too late, if you want to enjoy all the exciting explanations.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Catering<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The castle offers 2 ways to enjoy the delights of the castle:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Table des f\u00e9es <\/strong>restaurant for a quick bite to eat (quiches and salads), with tasty vegetables from Gargantua's kitchen garden, all enjoyed facing the ch\u00e2teau from the outbuildings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The<strong> Secret Garden<\/strong> Restaurant: a magical experience under the glass roof facing the dwelling, which we'll tell you about next!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-V4Fhtv8\/0\/9654e45e\/L\/chateau-rivau-table-fees-L.jpg\" alt=\"The terrace of the table of the fairies\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The terrace of the table of the fairies facing the castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hosting<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, for us the ideal solution is to<strong> stay at Le Rivau<\/strong> (we'll tell you all about it in a moment), but if all 4 rooms are unfortunately taken, there are a few other nearby addresses to console you:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>L'H\u00f4tel Ecrin de Verdure<\/strong>: just 10 minutes from the ch\u00e2teau, in the small village of Ligr\u00e9, a <strong>friendly bed and breakfast<\/strong> where we spent a very pleasant time. The <strong>decoration is neat<\/strong>and contemporary, the <strong>setting relaxing <\/strong>and the breakfast was just <strong>delicious<\/strong>. As an added bonus, the dynamic owner also offers <strong>2CV<\/strong> tours in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Something to console oneself for not being able to sleep every night at Le Rivau...  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/l-39-ecrin-de-verdure-ligre1.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Consolation at the Ecrin de verdure<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotels\/Ecrin-verdure\/i-vPRcwxd\/0\/73b39364\/L\/hotel-ecrin-verdure-L.jpg\" alt=\"Breakfast in the green setting\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Breakfast in a green setting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Logis Auberge de Crissay<\/strong>: we move away a little but not too much (20 minutes), on the other bank of the Vienne, in the beautiful village of Crissay-sur-Manse. This guest house is built with Tuffeau stone and exposed wooden beams. It has a heated swimming pool and can even offer you the cover in the evening!  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/lhotentyque.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take comfort in the Auberge de Crissay<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.html?city=-1453332&amp;nflt=review_score%253D90%253Breview_score%253D80&amp;aid=2274925&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">more accommodation solutions near Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau <\/a>in photos.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan of the building\/visit<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-NMZsSvz\/0\/181c73cf\/L\/chateau-rivau-plan-L.jpg\" alt=\"map of the ch&#xE2;teau du Rivau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Map of the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">DISCOVER <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Saumur<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-saumur-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Where to sleep in Saumur: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-saumur-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best hotels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Where to eat in Saumur: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-restaurants-saumur-where-eat-reviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best restaurants<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visiter-chateau-saumur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/royal-abbey-fontevraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fontevraud Abbey<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">The most beautiful <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-saumur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">castles around Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/troglodytes-saumur-hotels-attractions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saumur's troglodytes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">itineraries: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-2-days-saumur-itinerary-weekend\/\">weekend<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/visit-chateau-saumur-castle.jpeg\" alt=\"Saumur\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sleeping and eating at Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the visit of the castle and the garden, which in itself justifies the trip, we decided to <strong>live the whole experience, by eating and sleeping in the castle<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Le Jardin secret, the Rivau restaurant<\/strong>. It is in a small glass room (20 seats), adjoining the castle's dwelling, in the heart of the secret garden under the vine and the rosebushes, that we tasted the creative and ultra-fresh cooking of the Chef NIcolas Gaulandeau. Luckily, he had gone mushroom picking that afternoon... Back on this magical dinner in pictures - <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chateaudurivau.com\/fr\/restaurant-gastronomique.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Reserve your table now<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-9mPvpwH\/0\/2a724569\/L\/chateau-rivau-restaurant-L.jpg\" alt=\"Dinner on the veranda of the secret garden...\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dinner on the veranda of the secret garden...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-xt8MqD3\/0\/232da03f\/L\/chateau-rivau-restaurant-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Meagre steak in a chorizo crust, herb broth at the table des f&#xE9;es of the Ch&#xE2;teau du Rivau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lean steak in a chorizo crust, herb broth and .... mushrooms picked by the chef<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chambres du Rivau<\/strong>, <strong>Hotel du Rivau<\/strong>. Magnificent experience that the night spent in the room \"Catherine de Medicis\". <strong>The atmosphere<\/strong> of the place is incomparable with our other nights in the castles of the Loire. We were <strong>mesmerized by the view of<\/strong> the castle from the room. Empty of visitors, the ch\u00e2teau seemed to be talking to us... Here's a <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/hotel-chateau-rivau-lemere-review\/\">look back at this enchanting night\/<\/a>- <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/fr\/chateau-du-rivau.html?aid=2274925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">\n  <strong>See prices, photos and availability<\/strong>\n<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-6t5FJzc\/0\/5118bffd\/L\/chateau-rivau-hotel-L.jpg\" alt=\"The Catherine de Medicis room at the Ch&#xE2;teau du Rivau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Catherine de Medicis room at the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-c4xt9dk\/0\/43cd27ed\/L\/chateau-rivau-hotel-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"View of the room in the hotel of the Ch&#xE2;teau du Rivau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View of the room in the hotel of the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can see, <strong>we experienced something truly exceptional at Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/strong>. The total budget was not negligible (but not exorbitant either...), but <strong>do dreams have a price<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#fefefe;margin-top:6%;margin-bottom:6%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">Subscribe to our <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Newsletter<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get away from it all with Region Lovers' beautiful destinations!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once a month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advertising-free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<script>\nvar 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false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container aligncenter newsletter-radius gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><div class=\"wp-block-image newsletter-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"729\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2.png 729w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2-276x300.png 276w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Architecture: an \"elegant\" fortified castle<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The vast majority of the ch\u00e2teau dates back to the <sup>mid-15th<\/sup> century, when the Renaissance was just emerging in France. Heir to a stronghold, it could also have been weighed down by its defensive vocation. However, the whole is quite harmonious, on a human scale and with a lot of charm.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Defensive architecture:<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>double-door drawbridge <\/strong>that allowed the crossing of the moat which has always been without water, the soil being limestone around the castle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-FmLc3XJ\/0\/dc434138\/L\/chateau-rivau-pont-levis-L.jpg\" alt=\"Double door drawbridge\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Double door drawbridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a <strong>rectangular keep<\/strong> built in tuffeau (the white stone of the Loire), with a covered guard path and three-lobed machicolations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-BbPz9Lf\/0\/4b1c733c\/L\/chateau-rivau-donjon-1-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"the top of the dungeon&#10;\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The top of the dungeon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>two circular corner towers <\/strong>that protect the access to the castle by offering less of an outlet for projectiles than the square keep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-pM6pWjX\/0\/3b65d6bc\/L\/chateau-rivau-architecture-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"view of the fa&#xE7;ade with its 2 round towers\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Main facade with its keep and round towers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The main building<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once past the drawbridge you enter the main courtyard and can contemplate the dwelling.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-SCXvJhp\/0\/8d3dd683\/L\/chateau-rivau-logis-L.jpg\" alt=\"The castle's dwelling\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The house<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several remarkable elements:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the<strong>polygonal tower <\/strong>with its spiral staircase which serves the different levels of the house. It is decorated above its portal, with the coat of arms of the house of Beauveau (4 lions crowned with gold) and their motto \"Sans d\u00e9partir\".<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-vPHQxkf\/0\/e33d03d1\/L\/chateau-rivau-logis-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"Decoration above the door of the polygonal tower\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Decoration above the door of the polygonal tower<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the 3 bays of the facade, a sequence of 2 <strong>mullioned windows<\/strong> of a sculpted <strong>dormer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-tkBD8jG\/0\/a1ad2c5d\/L\/chateau-rivau-logis-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Mullion windows and dormers\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mullion windows and dormers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ch\u00e2teau was originally shaped like a <strong>quadrilateral <\/strong>, and the main courtyard was enclosed by a building to the west that was demolished in the <sup>16th<\/sup> century, and by an independent chapel that was razed around 1880 (traces of which can still be seen to the left of the small turret). The light could then fully enter the house!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-p3tRtnW\/0\/e00b50ca\/L\/chateau-rivau-logis-4-L.jpg\" alt=\"Location of the old chapel and the western courtyard&#10;\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Location of the old chapel and the western building<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">the Loire Valley<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-gardens-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The most beautiful gardens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/stay-chateau-hotel-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to stay in the Loire castles<\/a>: unforgettable hotels!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-loire-valley-castles-with-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The best Loire castles to visit with your family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-with-dog\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8605\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Castles you can visit with a dog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chambord-or-chenonceau-castles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chambord or Chenonceau<\/a>: our comparison<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">itineraries: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-castles-loire-itinerary-weekend\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weekend<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-3-days-itinerary-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-4-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-5-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castles-7-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 week<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Castles <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-blois\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Blois<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-amboise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Amboise<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-saumur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Saumur<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Tours<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-angers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Angers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-nantes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Nantes<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">or <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-list-chateaux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our list<\/a> of over 100 Loire castles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Azay-le-Rideau\/i-tBQfPnP\/0\/8a3b977a\/L\/chateau-azay-le-rideau-miroir-eau-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Royal stables<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the period is poorly documented (Google didn't yet exist, nor did bloggers...), Rivau's equestrian tradition dates back at least to the <sup>13th<\/sup> century, when <strong>war horses were bred here<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to realize that in these turbulent times, the strength of a lord or king was judged by his <strong>ability to wage war<\/strong>. Horses had a very special place in the company, being <strong>the most sophisticated equipment at <\/strong>their disposal. It was rare for horses to be killed on the battlefield. We preferred to capture them to be able to use them again, considering their value and the time needed to train them!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loireloversdev.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Codex_Manesse_052r_Walther_von_Klingen_detail_2.jpg\" alt=\"Destriers depicted in an illumination of the XIVth century\" class=\"wp-image-984\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Destriers depicted in an illumination of the XIV<sup>th<\/sup> century<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As proof of the reputation of Le Rivau, <strong>Joan of<\/strong> Arc came to get horses for her horsemen shortly before the siege of Orleans (1429).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fran\u00e7ois de Beauveau, <strong>Grand Ecuyer to King Fran\u00e7ois <sup>I<\/sup><\/strong>, had monumental wooden stables built in 1510.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His successor, Gabriel de Beauvau, inspired by Italian models, decided to build <strong>a stone building <\/strong>in 1550, <strong>decorated with sculptures and renaissance decoration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-7SmRRKf\/0\/e4b98245\/L\/chateau-rivau-ecuries-L.jpg\" alt=\"The Royal Stables&#10;&#10;\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Royal Stables<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we enter the stables, we can only be surprised to find<strong>carved vaults<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-d53dGGK\/0\/85bcda52\/L\/chateau-rivau-ecuries-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"sculpted vaults inside the stables\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sculpted vaults inside the stables<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initial plan was for a <strong>rectangle<\/strong>, but in the end a single <strong>L<\/strong> shape was built. Another unique feature is that the building has<strong> two stories<\/strong>; the ground floor was used to house the horses.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-Z8jD4qQ\/0\/db33a55b\/L\/chateau-rivau-ecuries-3-L.jpg\" alt=\"Royal Stables seen from the garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Royal Stables seen from the garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Historians believe that the stables housed <strong>between 20 and 40 horses<\/strong>, the stallions in one wing, the mares in the other. Up to 17 grooms would have been housed in the building.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At that time, knights had to wear<strong> armor weighing more than 30 kg <\/strong>and had to be able to get back on their steed quickly in case of a fall. The horses were not to exceed 1m50 at the withers.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-43LSNwt\/0\/b04c5523\/L\/chateau-rivau-ecuries-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to the Royal Stables\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Entrance to the Royal Stables<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau offers <strong>a short film<\/strong> projected in the stables that will take you back to the time of the knights.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dreamlike gardens<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The agricultural past<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau has always been directly linked to the nature that surrounds it. It is even believed that the castle was built primarily to protect the crops of his land. Until the revolution, the estate covered <strong>1200 hectares <\/strong>(arable land, vineyards, orchards and forests...).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the outbuildings, immediately to the right after crossing the castle's enclosure, you will find the<strong> tithe barn <\/strong>(where the collection of the tithe, an agricultural tax in favor of the Catholic Church, was stored) and the <strong>wine press<\/strong> (notably for the 45 hectares of vines on the estate). We are here in the classic configuration of a medieval village!<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-fDKFhsb\/0\/57db1b99\/L\/chateau-rivau-grange-dimiere-pressoir-L.jpg\" alt=\"The tithe barn and the wine press in the outbuildings of the castle\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The tithe barn and the wine press in the outbuildings of the castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The horticultural revival<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After purchasing the estate in 1992 and undertaking titanic restoration work, the new owners turned their attention to the gardens. <strong>Patrica Laigneau<\/strong> decided in 1995 to give them back their lustre. She completed her training in art history with a course at the Ecole Nationale Sup\u00e9rieur de Paysage de Versailles.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With 4 full-time gardeners, she decided to create <strong>15 different gardens<\/strong>. She opts for a singular and creative path where art and the marvelous come to complete a rather naturalistic approach, closer to English gardens than to French ones.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, the park offers 15 gardens:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ornamental grasses are in the spotlight in the<strong> Little Thumb Garden<\/strong>. She seems to lie down in front of so much beauty... A very graphic introduction where natural elements are combined (wind, sun, vegetation ...) for our pleasure. They will be at their peak in early fall, but will be pleasing to the eye by summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-VNqsxW2\/0\/7a551697\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-petit-poucet-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"Garden of Little Thumb\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Garden of Little Thumb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The fairy alley: <\/strong>We were so charmed that we walked through the well named fairy alley 4 times! In autumn, it is the place to be for two of our favorite plants: imperata and mischantus (a little more fit than on our balcony...). At the beginning of the summer it is the tulips which color it of red.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-8GFpftj\/0\/7fea7fef\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-petit-poucet-L.jpg\" alt=\"The magic alley of fairies\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The magic alley of fairies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>labyrinth of Alice au Pays du Rivau<\/strong>, a great classic of the Loire castles (we always found the exit) but in a much more magical version. Do this before mid-August in years of low rainfall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-C8cgBRF\/0\/909db538\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-labyrinthe-L.jpg\" alt=\"Alice's labyrinth in the Land of the River\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alice's labyrinth in the Land of the River<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-vzq9gHz\/0\/40e89628\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-labyrinthe-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"The guardians of the labyrinth\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The guardians of the Labyrinth!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>secret garden,<\/strong> once occupied by the chapel, is now the territory of the English roses. It also hosts the <strong>plant canopy <\/strong>in which we had the chance to dine, but we will return ... and finally a beautiful <strong>green chapel <\/strong>to enjoy a little shade and the magic of the place in early spring!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-T67Bz67\/0\/cf84399b\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-secret-L.jpg\" alt=\"The green chapel of the secret garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The green chapel of the secret garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Paradise orchard<\/strong>: plum, cherry and apple trees are on the program, for a flowering as soon as April, for only a few weeks, and fruits from June for the cherry trees, in August for the plum trees, while waiting for the apples at the beginning of the year. Will you eat the forbidden fruit of this little paradise?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-snBHJkp\/0\/d301019a\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-verger-L.jpg\" alt=\"Lambron apple tree in the orchard\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lambron apple tree in the orchard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>garden of the love potions<\/strong>which puts in scene the plants with magic effect. Poison or cure, make the right choice!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-K5njcbJ\/0\/4fda8e16\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-philtre-amour-L.jpg\" alt=\"The garden of love potions\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The garden of love potions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The<strong> truffle plantation<\/strong>, replanted in 1999, dates back to the <sup>17th<\/sup> century!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-hBhJpKX\/0\/2e069018\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-truffie&#x300;re-L.jpg\" alt=\"The truffle field\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The truffle field<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>wood in love<\/strong>, where the trees intertwine to offer us a well-deserved rest... Let's face it, we couldn't resist!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-kkVGRvS\/0\/8785b915\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-bois-amoureux-L.jpg\" alt=\"Hammock in the lovers' wood\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A short break in the woods of love<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>bioclimatic garden of the butterfly<\/strong>, respectful of the environment and very low energy consumer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-mCDxXJK\/0\/762e5be4\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-papillon-L.jpg\" alt=\"Biodynamic Butterfly Garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Biodynamic Butterfly Garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wild Plant Garden<\/strong>, the latest addition to the garden, with its incredible collection of edible plants!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-mNKXx6P\/0\/fbba6bf8\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-plantes-sauvages-L.jpg\" alt=\"Garden of wild plants&#10;\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Garden of wild (and edible) plants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The<strong> Cassinina garden<\/strong>, located behind the castle, is hidden from view. This hedge populated with native plants (really) jealously protects the Rivau's collection of fragrant roses...<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-M4qzdtz\/0\/8dc01abb\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-cassinina-L.jpg\" alt=\"The cassinina garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The cassinina garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>enchanted forest<\/strong> in which you may have the chance to meet elves who like to walk among the hellebores in bloom in early spring...<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-wP7kQWz\/0\/24a70dcf\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-foret-enchantee-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"The elves of the enchanted forest\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The elves of the enchanted forest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> <strong>Gargantua's vegetable garden<\/strong>, authentically Rabelaisian (Fran\u00e7ois Rabelais actually quotes Le Rivau in his work Gargantua published in 1534) with more than 43 varieties of cucurbits (squash, pumpkins, pumpkins...)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-QVv6Z5w\/0\/fdcea6a7\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-potager-gargantua-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Gargantua's vegetable garden\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gargantua's vegetable garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For the <sup>15th<\/sup> and final garden, we'll have to come back next year (much to our delight!). There are <strong>2 terraces<\/strong> that you can see before entering the castle. One is dedicated to the <strong>irises<\/strong> that bloom in May, and the second to <strong>a bed of lavender<\/strong> that will fill the air from June to the middle of July!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-TH2qRk8\/0\/ebb91ce5\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-lavande-L.jpg\" alt=\"terraced gardens\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Terrace gardens: lavender and iris in spring!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When the garden is pricked with art...<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the works of art encountered in the gardens:<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-zkmHrb5\/0\/8be33a1f\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-art-L.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;The Phenix&quot; by Claude Pasquier\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\"The Phenix\" by Claude Pasquier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-5bKzDqD\/0\/1e5cf20a\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-art-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;Basserode's &quot;Running Forest\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\"Basserode's \"Running Forest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-wt86z9r\/0\/e9691f30\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-art-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;The red pot&quot; by Jean Pierre Raynaud\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\"The red pot\" by Jean Pierre Raynaud<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-kPrHCq2\/0\/4d502c40\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-art-3-L.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;The Sleeping Wood Tower&quot; (and its living peacocks!) by Dominique Bailly\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\"The Sleeping Wood Tower\" (and its living peacocks!) by Dominique Bailly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-k6SxHJ2\/0\/a1747bd4\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-art-5-L.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;Standing&quot; by Pierre Ardouvin\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\"Standing\" by Pierre Ardouvin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-qSfXXhc\/0\/7c846f82\/L\/chateau-rivau-jardin-art-6-L.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;Old woman shoe&quot; by Amy O'Neill\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\"Old woman shoe\" by Amy O'Neill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Really, a <strong>very beautiful and rich dialogue <\/strong>between contemporary art and gardens, we loved it! The often <strong>playful and offbeat<\/strong> dimension of the works can be a great introduction for <strong>children<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we tell you that this place has something<strong>\"magical<\/strong>\"!<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">HAVE FUN WITH THESE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\"> activities<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"ul_box wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/Loire-Valley-tours\/Balloon-Rides\/d178-g1-c3?pid=P00074304&amp;mcid=42383&amp;medium=link&amp;medium_version=selector&amp;campaign=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Hot-air ballooning in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/chateau-de-cheverny-l35281\/au-depart-du-mans-tour-de-la-vallee-de-la-loire-a-velo-t388797\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Chambord by bike<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/tours-l1320\/voyage-en-petit-groupe-d-une-journee-complete-dans-la-vallee-de-la-loire-au-depart-de-tours-t439719\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Vineyards and tastings<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-FCLLmzH\/0\/DSWDcPJtHGk4cBMm7NZMmfSfwVwnJMc5KqTwbXP9f\/S\/chambord-velo-S.jpg\" alt=\"cycling to chambord\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The interiors: the joyful mix of arts...<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always surprising, sometimes offbeat, often daring, but definitely consistent! The owners of the castle have decided to <strong>bring together <\/strong>their collection of<strong>historical works <\/strong>(tapestries, carved wooden furniture, earthenware...) with the best of<strong>contemporary art<\/strong>. Each year, a theme and major Parisian galleries join forces with Le Rivau to open the doors of the castle to contemporary artists.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small personal selection of the rooms of the castle and the works:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The<strong>\"Salle du grand Logis<\/strong>\" is transformed into a real cabinet of curiosities that mixes the centuries, the real and the marvelous. Guaranteed effect as soon as you enter the castle!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-8ztxPkj\/0\/20433fd2\/L\/chateau-rivau-grand-logis-L.jpg\" alt=\"The cabinet of curiosity of the Grand Logis\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The cabinet of curiosity of the Grand Logis room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Feasting Room <\/strong>with its <sup>16th-century<\/sup> ceiling fresco. But what is this fawn doing that we thought we had met at the castle gate and that is now bathing in the \"lotus pond\" of the Chinese artist Ru Xia Fan...<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-BkQxzX9\/0\/ded4c4f1\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-festin-L.jpg\" alt=\"The feast room\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Feast room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The<strong> Seigneur de Beauveau's study <\/strong>, with a magnificent <sup>16th-century<\/sup> Spanish bargueno (Moorish cabinet with secret drawers) in the background. For this year's theme, the Seigneur de Beauveau will have to try to focus on a <strong>bird cabinet <\/strong>with works by Bertrand Gaenne (this owl that hypnotizes you with its gaze...) and Renate Rabus, with her pearl birds under a glass bell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-9cZWLK9\/0\/aac77213\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-cabinet-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"The study of the Lord of Beauveau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The study of the Lord of Beauveau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We catch our breath with the <strong>wisest room of the lords of Beauveau<\/strong>. This neo-Gothic room is the only one in the ch\u00e2teau to have been refurbished in the <sup>19th<\/sup> century, the others dating from the <sup>15th<\/sup>. It presents numerous representations of Joan of Arc as she was perceived after the French Revolution...<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-t8pLK9h\/0\/8a1e32a4\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-seigneurs-beauveau-L.jpg\" alt=\"Hall of the Lords of Beauveau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hall of the Lords of Beauveau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>... before diving back into the <strong>cabinet adjoining the room of the Lords of Beauveau<\/strong>. Joan of Arc prays in a completely immersive and mystical sound environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-vsXfQht\/0\/12f88025\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-seigneurs-beauveau-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Joan of Arc praying in the adjoining room\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Joan of Arc praying in the adjoining room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>ladies' room<\/strong> with cushions carved in the stone under the windows to allow the D\u00e2mes to embroider in the daylight. In the background a gothic fireplace and in the center of the room an oversized crown by the artist Vincent Olinet: 6 centuries difference between these 2 works!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-6kR7hKC\/0\/078afd23\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-dames-L.jpg\" alt=\"Ladies' room\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ladies' room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the contemporary works are renewed every year in April, a good opportunity to come and return to the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau!<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not to be missed nearby<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-royal-fortress-chinon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The medieval fortress of Chinon<\/a>: 15 minutes from the castle, discover an impressive group of <strong>3 castles<\/strong> overlooking the Ni\u00e8vre and the old town of Chinon. You'll go up and down endlessly through the fortress's various towers, discovering the <strong>defensive ingenuity of the <\/strong>Middle Ages!  &gt;&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/billets-forteresse-royale-de-chinon-l151156\/?partner=region_lovers&amp;tq_campaign=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Book your tickets<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Cath&#xE9;drales-et-abbayes\/Abbaye-royale-Fontevraud\/i-g4KXvTV\/0\/40b753c0\/L\/abbaye-fontevraud-cloitre-L.jpg\" alt=\"The cloister of the great mansion of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The cloister of the great mansion of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/royal-abbey-fontevraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud<\/a>: less than 30 minutes from Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau, an exceptional site in Anjou, the Royal Abbey of Fontavraud. This historical place will immerse you in the silent and bewitching universe of the <strong>novices<\/strong> in the Middle Ages. It is full of treasures, including the <strong>necropolis<\/strong> of the first Plantagenet kings and a richly decorated <strong>chapter house<\/strong>. Purchased in 1975 by the Pays-de-la-Loire Region and patiently renovated since then, the abbey now houses an <strong>exciting art museum<\/strong>, and has its own hotel and several restaurants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the events that take place every year at the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau offers animations all year long:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Halloween<\/strong>, to enjoy the bountiful pumpkins of Gargantua's garden, the last weekend of October.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The traditional Easter <strong>egg hunt <\/strong>, in the fairy garden of the castle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Rose Festival <\/strong>at the beginning of June, when the roses exhale their most beautiful scents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Heritage Days,<\/strong> of course, the<sup>3rd<\/sup> weekend of September.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong> Equestrian jousts<\/strong> in mid-August to revive the spirit of the castle's great royal stables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Fall Plant Festival, at the end of October, to celebrate with the family the arrival of the beautiful fall blooms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To see the details of the animations and reserve your tickets, it's <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chateaudurivau.com\/fr\/agenda.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">PLAN YOUR TRIP IN  <br\/><span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Loire Valley<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_sans_border gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre2 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>The castles of the Loire Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best ch\u00e2teaux in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/stay-chateau-hotel-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-loire-valley-castles-with-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best family castles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-list-chateaux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">List with over 100 castles<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-de-Chenonceau\/i-B8wzgnf\/0\/0c8c0706\/L\/chateau-chenonceau-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Other<\/strong> <strong>places to explore<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-loire-valley-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/towns-loire-valley-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful towns along the Loire<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/most-beautiful-villages-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful villages<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-gardens-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful gardens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-nantes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in Nantes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/que-faire-angers-visiter\/\">Things to do in Angers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-saumur-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-tours-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Things to do in Tours<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-amboise-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Things to do in Amboise<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/flight-hot-air-balloon-castles-loire-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hot-air balloon ride<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/General\/i-DrhL7mp\/0\/bb0d2dae\/L\/vue-loire-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-loire-valley-best-areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to stay in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">See our tips for renting a car <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-nantes-airport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in Nantes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-angers-station\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Angers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-tours-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tours<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-cdg-aeroport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CDG<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-orly-airport-paris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Orly<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-beauvais-airport-paris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beauvais<\/a>...<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">How to get to the Loire Valley - article to come<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Itineraries: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-3-days-itinerary-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-4-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-5-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castles-7-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 week<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Weekends: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/weekend-unusual-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unusual<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Villes-Loire\/i-L5mq7xV\/0\/207cbe42\/L\/nantes-villes-elephant-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons planif_bouton is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\">All our tips (coming soon)<strong>  <strong>  <\/strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4676\" style=\"width: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box-texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_auteur_voyage gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img_auteur_voyage img_provisoire\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/emmanuel-robinson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Region-Lovers\/Equipe\/i-rHp5vtv\/0\/DxhGfR3RHZSTt9vfBxH7TBtFTC5vkk673Gmjm7MHS\/L\/manu-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"titre_auteur_voyage\"><span>HE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE \n <\/span><span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Manu<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From its past as a seigniorial fortress, the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau has kept a human size. From the renaissance, it has inherited a fairy tale architecture. From its agricultural vocation, it has preserved remarkable gardens. From its current owners, who live in the Rivau castle, it makes dialogue between renaissance and contemporary art. Come with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1574,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[92],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2440","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tours-and-its-surroundings","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau (castle photos + tips)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our opinion on the Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau, many photos and all the useful tips to make a success of your visit to the castle and gardens!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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