Joutes Équestres au Château du Rivau
Knightly tournaments and medieval entertainment in the fairy gardens of Château du Rivau
About Joutes du Rivau
The Joutes Équestres du Rivau: A Medieval Tournament in the Heart of Touraine
The Château du Rivau in Léméré, a medieval fortress from the 13th century transformed into a pleasure castle during the Renaissance, hosts a weekend of equestrian jousts every summer that revives the art of the medieval tournament. In the magnificent setting of its fairy gardens—labeled Jardin Remarquable and inspired by fairy tales—knights in armor compete in lance jousts according to the rules of 15th-century chivalry.
The Tournament: Rivau vs. Langeais
The highlight of the weekend is the tournament pitting the lord of Rivau against the lord of Langeais. Clad in full armor and mounted on their steeds, the knights compete in three jousts with lances, accompanied by historical commentary. The tournament, orchestrated by the Chevalerie Initiatique, a company specializing in medieval equestrian art, takes place at 11 am, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Medieval Entertainment and Skill Games
Between the jousts, visitors discover a rich program of medieval entertainment. Competitors vie in equestrian skill games: quintain, ring toss, shield, apple, and hunting games. Demonstrations of knight combat initiation and dubbing ceremonies allow the younger ones to become knights for a day. A medieval encampment with artisans, a medieval-inspired craft market, and costume rentals for the whole family complete the experience.
The Château du Rivau and its Fairy Gardens
A listed Historic Monument, the Château du Rivau is a little-known gem of Touraine. Its medieval fortress, its royal stables commissioned by King Francis I, and its 14 fairy gardens inspired by fairy tales offer a unique setting in the Loire Valley. The contemporary art collection exhibited in the stables and gardens adds a touch of modernity to this historic site. Admission to the jousting weekend includes a full visit to the castle, gardens, and stables.
A Family Event in an Enchanting Setting
The Joutes Équestres du Rivau are designed as a family-friendly and accessible event. The green setting of the gardens, shaded areas, picnic spots, and on-site catering allow for a full day in this enchanting place. Children are particularly catered for with the initiations, costumes, and skill games, making this weekend a memorable outing for the whole family.
Joutes du Rivau — edition 2026
The Equestrian Jousts return to Château du Rivau on Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th, 2026. In the moats and the enchanting gardens of the castle, real knights in armor will compete in three spectacular tournaments per day, against a backdrop of medieval entertainment for all ages.
Equestrian Jousts 2026 at Château du Rivau
On August 8th and 9th, 2026, Château du Rivau (Léméré, Indre-et-Loire) hosts its medieval Equestrian Jousts. For a weekend, the lords of Rivau and Château de Langeais will fight in armor as in the 15th century, in the tradition of great chivalric tournaments. The jousts are animated by the Chevalerie Initiatique troupe.
Three tournaments per day
Three spectacular equestrian tournaments are scheduled each day, generally around 11 AM, 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM (times may be adjusted depending on the weather and the well-being of the horses and riders).
Medieval entertainment
Throughout the day, the estate offers a medieval camp, introductions to chivalric combat, knighting ceremonies, skill games, a medieval market with artisans inspired by the Middle Ages, as well as costume rental. Catering is provided on site at the Table des Fées, within the remarkable gardens of the castle.
Programme Joutes du Rivau 2026
Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th, 2026
Castle open from 10 AM to 7 PM on both days.
- 11:00 AM — Equestrian jousting tournament in the moats (Rivau vs. Langeais), animated by the Chevalerie Initiatique
- 2:30 PM — Second equestrian jousting tournament
- 4:30 PM — Third equestrian jousting tournament
Throughout the day: medieval camp, introduction to chivalric combat, knighting ceremonies, equestrian skill games, medieval market and artisans, costume rental, catering at the Table des Fées.
Jousting times may be modified depending on the weather and temperatures, for the well-being of the horses and riders.
Highlights Joutes du Rivau 2026
- Three equestrian jousting tournaments per day in the castle moats
- Rivau vs. Château de Langeais confrontation in armor (15th-century tradition)
- Medieval camp and market, knighting ceremonies, skill games
- Setting of the remarkable and enchanting gardens of Château du Rivau
Prices Joutes du Rivau 2026
Practical information — Joutes du Rivau
Practical Information
Access
By car: The Château du Rivau is located in Léméré, 15 km south of Chinon via the D749. Free parking.
Opening Hours 2025
Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10, 2025. Site opens at 10 am. Tournaments at 11 am, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm (times may change in case of extreme heat).
Prices 2025
- Adult: €14
- Child (5-18 years): €8
- Reduced rate: €10
- Family package: €40 / €44
Admission includes castle, gardens, stables, and tournament.
Contact
Château et Jardins du Rivau
9 rue du Château, 37120 Léméré
Phone: 02 47 95 77 47
Website: www.chateaudurivau.com
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Where does it take place — Joutes du Rivau
Château et Jardins du Rivau
9 rue du Château, 37120 Léméré