Château du Rivau
A medieval château famous for its 14 fairy-tale themed gardens and hundreds of roses, full of imagination.
Château du Rivau lies about 10 km south of Chinon. It is a 15th-century medieval château, and Rabelais is said to have mentioned it in Gargantua. The château is listed among the Remarkable Gardens of France and has 14 fairy-tale themed gardens, such as Little Red Riding Hood's Path and Alice in Wonderland. They feature hundreds of roses and old vegetable varieties, with large contemporary art installations scattered throughout. The château's interior also hosts contemporary art exhibitions. Entry costs about EUR13. The gardens close in winter, and the roses are at their best in May and June, making it an excellent choice with children.
Opening hours
About Apr–Nov 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Royal Fortress of Chinon
- Château d'Ussé
- Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
- Château de Langeais
- Château de Villandry
- Tours Old Town
- Tours Cathedral
- Vouvray