Chinon Medieval Fortress

Chinon is a medieval town with charming houses made of tuffeau stone or sometimes half-timbered for the oldest ones. Chinon castle overlooks the whole city, built on a golden cliff on the edge of the town.

The famous Joan of Arc found some of her bravery in these crooked streets to stand up and be the Joan of Arc we know today: the virgin-warrior seen as a national heroine. In the Chateau of Chinon, she encountered Charles VII and convinced him to fight the English invasion. We can still see today the edge of the well where she set foot when getting off her horse. 



The walls surrounding the chateau offers a splendid view over the Vienne River that flows through Chinon town. Also, standing accross the River, with a glass of wine at aperitif time - you will enjoy a spectacular view over the whole city and the fortress. We know a special place to have a romantic and bucolic drink with such a gorgeous view.

chinon fortress

Chinon fortress from the other side of the Vienne river - ©JC Coutand - ADT Touraine

Chinon Wines & Vineyards

Chinon is also known for its regional vineyards. The wine produced is mostly red wine from the Cabernet Franc variety. The Chinon red wine is light and fresh, a pleasure for our senses - we will be happy to advise you on the best wineries in the Loire Valley and specifically in Chinon area. 

Chinon and Amboise are from the most famous starting point for the hot air balloon rides: a great experience! We actually departed an evening tour from Chinon and the view over the fortress and the city is really beautiful. 



Chinon is the place where Emilie went to high school and we have loved this town for a long time. 
Closeby, you will be able to visit more Chateaux de la Loire such as Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Langeais (our home-town) and Ussé. 

vineyards

Vineyard discovery - ©Stevens Frémont - ADT Touraine

Stay in Chinon

Staying in the old town of Chinon or in the vineyards around town is a very pleasant experience. You will be away from the beaten paths and enjoy meeting with locals. You are also very central to explore the South & West of the Loire Valley region. 

chinon B&B

Staying at a premium Bed & Breakfast in Chinon is a very pleasant experience - ©ChanelKoehl.com

 

Discover our Loire Valley itineraries including Chinon

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Ricki & Craig
There are not enough superlatives, or kind words, to describe the level of service Emilie, with France Just for You, provided us from the moment we contacted her, throughout our trip, and even her thoughtful emails upon our return. We contacted Emilie with a list of all the places we wished to go, the things we hoped to do, and our budget. We …
Janet
We have traveled in Europe a dozen times. Our trip to France, the Loire Valley and Normandy was one of the very best. Their custom self-guided tours are based on places and activities that interest you. Emelie listened to what we wanted and created an itinerary that was just what we wanted as well as some suggestions for other things we might try …
Sue
This was our first trip to Europe with just the two of us doing all the planning. I was looking for someone to help with the details of lodging and transportation and found Emilie through this site. She planned an incredible trip for us to Normandy/Brittany, Loire Valley and Paris. She is easy to work with, responsive and organized. I told her what …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Naz & Mounir
On a side-car tour in the Loire Valley
Nancy, Don, Jane & Ron
from Canada
In Honfleur, Normandy
Bridget & Tyler
from the US
In Monet's house kitchen in Giverny
Lucelle & Alan
From South Africa
Meeting their host - Mr le Prince - in a Castle in the Loire Valley
Susan & Gary
From the US
At the summit of the famous Mont Ventoux in Provence (famous as a mythical step of the Tour de France)
Ginette, Craig, Bev & Dan
from the US
Visiting a winery in Provence
Patty
from the US
In Villeneuve les Avignon, Provence
Clemmer & Dennis
From the US
After folding the US flag in the Meuse Argonne War Cemetery - Eastern France
Karen, Theresa, Mike & Bill
From the US
Dinner with view...
Bruce from Australia
Cooking outdoor in Provence, bon appétit !
Dina & Jim
from the US
Who just received their travel pack at home
Rose & Bryan
from the US
in Chenonceau castle, Loire Valley

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