Château du Rivau
Free RHS Member days
10am–6pm (closes at 7pm in May–September), daily, 1 April–11 November
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
- Gravel garden
- Colour themed borders
- National Plant Collections
- Prairie/naturalistic planting
- Potager
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.