Château de Rivau

Château de Rivau

Château de Rivau is a 15th-century castle in France, located right in the heart of the Loire Valley, about ten kilometers from Chinon. It boasts twelve beautiful themed gardens, each designated as a “Remarkable Garden” by the French Ministry of Culture. The Château de Rivau is open to visitors from April to November each year.

Château de Rivau has a long and storied history. It was built in the 15th century by the noble Beauvau family, who had royal bloodlines in France, and it is closely linked to the French Renaissance and Joan of Arc. The castle has now been restored to its former glory, with current owners Mr. and Mrs. de Nicolay putting seventeen years of renovation into the estate. Their efforts earned the château awards such as the “Prix des Amis Français aux États-Unis” and the “Grand Prix du Patrimoine Historique.” The reconnection of the castle’s farm and courtyard allows visitors to experience the authentic look of 15th-century architecture. The medieval castle, farm buildings, and wine cellars have all been recognized as historical monuments by the French Ministry of Culture.

The twelve gardens, reconstructed by Madame de Nicolay based on historical records of the château, evoke the sculptures and fairy tales of the Middle Ages. Four hundred different varieties of roses make Rivau the “greenhouse of fragrant roses in France.” The vast kitchen garden is home to a variety of plants, including pumpkins, cucumbers, cabbages, and clusters of red and white peonies that complement each other beautifully. Modern artworks scattered throughout the gardens reflect the harmonious interaction between humans and nature. Each year, the garden owners invite a new artist to design a section, showcasing human influence on nature. Bathed in sunlight, the gardens burst with thousands of blooming roses, alongside scented pathways, fairy tale carpets, floral lawns, mysterious gardens, and vibrant blooms and greenery, making Château de Rivau a paradise on earth.

Château du Rivau

Must-visit reason: One of the most beautiful garden castles in France

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: France[France]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Centre Region [Centre Region]