Thursday's 'taken in Touraine'...Château du Rivau.

Part fairytale fortress, part Renaissance residence, the Château du Rivau rises somewhat unexpectedly from the Touraine countryside near the village of Lémeré.

Today the château is famous for its remarkable child friendly gardens, especially its roses. On the 6th and 7th of June, the annual Rose Festival returns, when the gardens are at their most colourful and fragrant, drawing visitors from across the Loire Valley and beyond.

A visit back in 2022...

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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Part of the “Taken in Touraine” Series

Every Thursday, we pause somewhere in Touraine — a village, a vineyard, or a quiet riverside — to capture the spirit of this timeless Loire region.

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Monday's chateau - Forteresse de Montbazon.

Perched high on a rocky spur, this medieval fortress in Montbazon rises proudly against the clear blue sky. Its massive stone walls, crenellated towers and the striking green statue of the Virgin Mary* watching over the valley create a powerful silhouette that has guarded this landscape for centuries.

The contrast between the ancient weathered stone and the bright spring light makes every angle feel timeless. From the base of the hill, looking up at the keep and the statue, you really feel the weight of history.

Practical tip: Montbazon is easy to reach from Tours (just 15 minutes by car). Park at the bottom and enjoy the short but rewarding walk up the path for the best views. The site is open to visitors and offers beautiful panoramas over the Indre river and the surrounding countryside.

*This monumental copper figure, nearly 10 metres tall and weighing around 10 tonnes, was installed in 1866. It was financed by Empress Eugénie de Montijo (wife of Napoleon III) at the request of the local priest, Abbé Chauvin. The goal was to strengthen the site’s appeal to pilgrims, as Montbazon lies on one of the historic routes toward Santiago de Compostela.

Bon lundi dans la vallée de la Loire !

“Each château tells a story — of kings, of artists, and of the dream of France itself.”

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Part of the “Châteaux of the Loire” Series

Every Monday, we explore one of the Loire Valley's legendary châteaux — from royal residences to riverside retreats — each revealing a different chapter of the region's story.

Discover more about the Loire Valley

Browse the full series

 © Experience Loire — Châteaux of the Loire · ,

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Monday's Loire Valley Chateau - Chateau Fougeres-sur-Bievre

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Castles of the Loire