Château du Rivau
Free RHS Member days
When open
About the garden
A majestic silhouette rises from the midst of the fields in the Loire Valley. The garden features a conservatory of fragrant roses and a collection of tulips, daffodils, iris, vegetables, ornamental grasses and an edible flower garden. Twenty gigantic sculptures are displayed on the grounds, transforming the garden into a genuine open-air museum.
Located just 10 minutes from the medieval town of Chinon, Le Rivau stands out from other Loire Valley castles that were mostly built during the Renaissance period. The gardens are officially recognised as Remarkable Gardens of France and are home to the French National Conservatory of Fragrant Roses (CCVS). They were conceived by Patricia Laigneau, the current owner, who combines her expertise as an Art Historian with botanical knowledge.
Facilities
- Accessible garden
- Children’s play area
- Dogs welcome
- Parking
- Refreshments
- Toilets
Key features
- Sculpture
- Glasshouse (open to public)
- Gravel garden
- Autumn colour
- Colour themed borders
- National Plant Collections
- Prairie/naturalistic planting
- Potager
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.