EXPERIENCE CHINON
Overview
Chinon is a commune in the Touraine region of France, located in the Loire Valley. The town sits on the banks of the majestic Vienne river which is the centerpiece of Chinon, with the medieval quarter sitting on the hilly north side of the river. Here you’ll find a colorful past that is dominated by the Château de Chinon, an ancient fortress which is steeped in history. The castle is different to many of the more famous chateaux in the region in that it kept its rougher medieval design over the centuries and was never renovated and embellished during the Renaissance.
Historically the chateau is most famous because it was here that Jeanne d'Arc met Charles VI and urged him to declare himself king and raise an army to liberate France from the English. Today, Chinon remains a charming village known mainly for its delightful red wines. Another sight is the house where Richard Lionheart died.
Things to see and do
On the banks of the Vienne, the small town of Chinon is like a living time warp; home to winding cobblestoned streets that snake their way round and up to the castle. A place of timber framed houses, quaint shops, authentic looking inns and atmospheric cafés where you can relax and watch the world go by. The most typical street is rue Voltaire, lined with 15th and 16th-century townhouses.
In the the medieval heart of town, Rue Haute St-Maurice is where you’ll find a home that is actually a museum - the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire at No. 44, which is devoted to the arts and crafts of Chinon and surrounding area from prehistory to the 19th century.
As you walk the winding streets up to the castle take time to stop in the small shops and cafes that line the streets. The tourist office will provide a walking tour map of the main tourist attractions, including churches. As you take the well worn path do not be afraid to wander slightly so as to see some of the hidden courtyards and gardens along the way.
Famous for the wine produced in the area and known for its delightful red wines, the town is home to several famous caves. Stop in for a glass at one of Chinon’s terraced cafes or visit a few local vineyards.
The town is dominated by Chateau de Chinon, an ancient fortress which is steeped in history. Overlooking the River Vienne, the Royal Fortress of Chinon was built by the Count of Blois, Thibaut I, and serves as a reminder of the period when the history of France and that of England were intimately linked. Today, a visitor center now welcomes guests a few steps from the glass elevator that provides direct access from the center of Chinon’s Old Town. You can tour the Logis Royal (Royal Chambers) a section of which has been transferred into an interactive museum dedicated to Joan of Arc. For a panoramic view of the landscape, climb the Tour Coudray (Coudray Tower), where in 1307 leading members of the crusading Knights Templar were imprisoned before being taken to Paris, tried and burned at the stake. The Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), whose bell has chimed since 1399, has a view over the ensemble of buildings; while the ramparts boasts fantastic views over Chinon, the Vienne Valley, and the famous Le Clos de l'Echo vineyard.
The Chateau de Chinon is open daily throughout the year, hours 9-6 in April-June and Sept., 9-7 in July-Aug., 9-5 in Oct., and 9-12 and 2-5 in Nov.-March.