Park and garden
Château and gardens of Le Rivau
LEMERE
Enjoying the outdoors
Fall in love with three gardens in the Loire Valley
Immerse yourself with
Isabelle M.
Near Blois
in More than 2 hours away from Paris from Paris
in More than 2 hours away from Paris from Paris
Alone - With another person - With my family - With my tribe
Let’s head out for a walk in three gardens in the Loire Valley. Taking a nature-soaked break in the fresh air is the perfect way to escape daily life and get some oxygen! So, it’s time to unplug for three days, in these little paradises where you’re sure to be soothed and enchanted by all the greenery. Awaken all your senses, sight, hearing, smell, touch… and let yourself be transported by the tranquillity of these gardens, with your feet in the grass!
Gardens of the Château of Le Rivau – Fairytale gardens and an incredible vegetable patch
Near Chinon, in the beautiful Vienne Valley, you can experience a dream come to life in the fifteen fairytale gardens at the Château of Le Rivau. As you stroll around, you will come across huge works of art. Oversized boots and watering can, a carousel with a little horse, a giant mole popping out of the ground...
Garden Escape at the Château of Le Rivau
Whether you’re with family or friends, why not try the Garden Escape experience, one of the many activities offered all year long by the Château of Le Rivau. It’s a fun way to visit the gardens, in the form of an investigation that will plunge you into the magic of this wonderful place.
A magical night at the Château of Le Rivau
Why not enjoy the château a little longer, by spending a night in one of the seven rooms at the Hotel of the Château of Le Rivau. The rooms are nestled in the royal stables, each one harmoniously combining historical refinement and modern comfort with elegance. And the windows open onto the château and gardens – simply magical!
Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire – The art of the garden
Another place, another atmosphere. This time, we’re next to the Loire, between Blois and Amboise, where the silhouette of the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire overlooks the royal river. Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire brings together history, architecture, art, gardens and activities in a single place.
Another place, another atmosphere. This time, we're next to the Loire, between Blois and Amboise, where the silhouette of the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire overlooks the royal river. Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire brings together history, architecture, art, gardens and activities in a single place.
A whole day is not too much to spend exploring this vast domain and its history. For example, you can learn that one of its most famous owners was the queen Catherine de' Medici. What’s more, the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire was the subject of a certain rivalry between her and Diane de Poitiers, the favourite mistress of her husband King Henry II.
But that is far from being the only surprise awaiting you at Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire. Throughout the château, stables, service quarters and grounds, you will find modern artworks and installations by many artists. Some are surprising, some are amusing and others are poetic, but they all provide matter for reflection on art and its various forms during your walk. It’s sure to be a moving experience.
For several decades now, around thirty gardens have been brought together each year around a certain theme, for the unmissable International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire. It takes place from April to October, and the theme for 2021 is “Biomimicry in the Garden – Nature, an infinite source of inspiration”. This will be the starting point for artists, landscapers and gardeners to design and create the gardens, each more wondrous than the last. Prepare yourself to be surprised and delighted. You’re certain to walk away with questions in your mind, since all these little green paradises are also lovely sources of inspiration for your own garden or balcony.
When it comes time for lunch, multiple places to eat are available on site (subject to their opening times). You can also have a picnic in the areas set up for this purpose near the south entrance parking lot.
Our accommodation recommendation
If you decide to enjoy the domain until it closes and admire the sunset over the Loire, we would suggest that you check in to Logis de Chaumont. You’ll love the four welcoming, comfortable guest rooms in the tastefully renovated building, only a 15-minute walk from the château.
Gardens of La Javelière – A haven of peace with different atmospheres
Located on the edge of the Orléans Forest, the biggest national forest in France, the Gardens of La Javelière bloom around a beautiful manor.
With countryside charm, these gardens are a real gem, an oasis of greenery where time seems to stand still. Take a stroll from one part to another, and you'll find roses everywhere, like Ariadne's thread through the labyrinth. Near the manor house, a modern rose garden coils around a pond. In the grounds, the foliage of shade plants forms playful patterns in the sunlight. A bit further on, the Italian garden planted with cypress trees provides an irresistible reminder of Tuscan landscapes. Then, you'll find the Japan-inspired garden where a little stream flows, singing a crystal-clear, oh-so-relaxing song...
In springtime and autumn, the collection of species rose bushes – wild roses from various continents – are also a treat for the eyes.
The names of the paths are all poetic, like Le Sentier des Mahonias, La Charmille, and L’Allée de Flore. Taking a walk here, accompanied by the joyous song of resident birds, will truly recharge your batteries.
💐 Discover the Gardens of La JavelièreOur accommodation recommendations
It’s impossible to resist the charm of the guest rooms at Les Caduels and Aux Sapins, 20 kilometres away from the domain by car, in the heart of the Orleans Forest and right next to the Arboretum of Grandes Bruyères.
You’ll love it, we promise!
from 12€
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- Accueil vélo - Bikes welcome
- Organic
Theme restaurant
Restaurant du Rivau
LEMERE
from 14€
Book
- Accueil vélo - Bikes welcome
Park and garden
Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire
CHAUMONT-SUR-LOIRE
from 259€
- Accueil vélo - Bikes welcome
Hotels
Hôtel du château du Rivau
LEMERE
from 8€
Park and garden
Jardins de la Javelière
MONTBARROIS
“Born in Orléans, I have always lived in the countryside between the Loire and the forest of Orléans. I love cycling and walking along the banks of the Loire and along the towpath by the Canal of Orléans.”
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