Château du Rivau, Renaissance castle in Lémeré, France
Château du Rivau is a Renaissance castle with a square-shaped keep surrounded by fourteen themed gardens featuring over 500 rose varieties and contemporary art installations throughout the grounds.
The castle originated in the medieval period and later developed with royal stables that played a role in regional military events. Its transformation from a defensive stronghold to a noble residence marked an important shift in its purpose.
The castle hosts rotating art exhibitions where contemporary artists present their works and perspectives on modern themes through different media and styles.
The castle is accessible during daytime hours on most days and offers both self-guided exploration and guided tours for visitors. Plan time to walk between garden areas and wear appropriate footwear for the varying terrain.
Two restaurants on the grounds prepare dishes using vegetables and flowers grown in the estate's gardens, paired with wines made on-site. This direct connection between garden and kitchen creates a distinctive dining experience.
Location: Lémeré
Inception: 1445
Official opening: 1834
Architectural style: Renaissance
Website: http://chateaudurivau.com/fr
GPS coordinates: 47.10373,0.32283
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
The Loire Valley has castles built between the 15th and 17th centuries. They show the history of the French Renaissance and the classical period. These royal and noble homes tell stories of how people lived and built during those times. You can see carved staircases, water galleries, moats, defensive towers, and parks with geometric designs. Some castles like Chambord or Chenonceau are large and bold in design. Others, like Azay-le-Rideau or Villandry, are charming for their natural settings and restored gardens. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in Amboise. In Blois, four different building styles appear one after another. Loches has a medieval tower. Each place offers a different view of how kings, queens, and noble families lived and shaped this region.
The Loire Valley features Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance châteaux and medieval squares. From Saint-Gatien Cathedral to Château de Chenonceau, each location displays architectural details: towers, stone walls, decorated facades and geometric gardens. The city of Tours combines half-timbered houses, bridges over the Loire, religious buildings and public squares with century-old trees. Saint-Gatien Cathedral rises with its two towers and stained glass windows from the 13th century in the heart of Tours. Château de Chenonceau spans the Cher River with its galleries and French gardens. Place Plumereau in the historic center is surrounded by medieval houses with wooden beams. The Loire châteaux such as Amboise, Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau offer photographs of white stone facades, towers and terraced gardens. The banks of the Loire reveal sandy beaches, old stone bridges and vineyards stretching along the river.
Halloween becomes an annual major event across France. Theme parks like Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix, and Futuroscope create special environments with seasonal decorations, themed shows, and attractions suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy special menus in restaurants and meet costumed characters that animate the walkways. Cultural heritage sites also participate by organizing night visits. The Paris Catacombs reveal their underground history through guided tours after dark. The Château de Combourg welcomes visitors to its medieval halls with historical stories, while the Citadel of Bitche transforms its military galleries into theatrical settings. Museums also join the festivities: the Rodin Museum highlights its Gates of Hell with sound and visual effects. Natural sites like the Balme Caves host thematic exhibitions, and even the Thoiry Zoo invites visitors to observe animals during specially arranged evening events.
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