Château du Rivau, Renaissance castle in Lémeré, France
The castle features a square-shaped keep surrounded by 14 themed gardens containing 500 varieties of roses and numerous contemporary art installations.
Joan of Arc visited the castle in 1429 during the Hundred Years' War to obtain horses from the royal stables for her military campaign.
The castle holds regular art exhibitions, with current displays showcasing forty artists' perspectives on modern social changes through various mediums.
The castle opens from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM in spring, extends to 7:00 PM during summer, and offers guided tours focusing on sensory experiences.
Two restaurants within the castle grounds serve dishes prepared with vegetables and flowers from their own gardens, accompanied by wines produced on site.
Location: Lémeré
Inception: 1445
Official opening: 1834
Architectural style: Renaissance
Website: http://chateaudurivau.com/fr
GPS coordinates: 47.10373,0.32283
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:40
The Loire River houses castles from French Renaissance and Classical periods. These structures display architectural elements of their time and document noble life. Each castle presents distinct features, from Gothic ornaments to symmetrical gardens. The interiors contain original furniture, tapestries, and art collections.
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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