Rivau Castle

The municipality of Lémeré in Indre-et-Loire, about ten kilometres from Chinon, boasts a medieval building that looks like a fortress: Rivau Castle. With its keep, moat, drawbridge and wall walk, it indeed has all the characteristics of a stronghold. Once inside, you will probably be impressed by its imposing features and lavish decoration. But first of all, go up the staircase to try and decipher its numerous inscriptions dating from the 15th century. As your visit continues, you can admire monumental Gothic fireplaces, Brussels tapestries and a collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture, as well as contemporary art. Look up and you will see a fresco painted by an Italian master. In the room known as the Feast Room, the scene of "Balthazar's Feast" is depicted in an oil painting by a Dutch master during the Renaissance. To accompany your visit, an audio trail describes what daily life was like in the castle: tournaments, feasts, musicians... A real immersion in the past.

Continue your tour in the stables, a listed Historic Monument, where the audiovisual projections transport you through time to meet a farrier and a groom.

Then head to the beautiful listed Remarkable Gardens. With fairy-tale gardens, a scent path and a vegetable patch, come and stroll through the castle's 14 gardens, where more than 450 varieties of roses grow. A place of enchanting sights and fragrances!