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

Judy
This was one of the best trips we have taken to Europe. We have often done our own planning. It was so nice to have Laura help. We were very delighted with accommodations and friendliness of all our hosts and tour guides. As Americans that don't speak much French, we would never have been able to arrange a trip like this ourselves - and we've done …
Marjorie
My husband and I found France Just For You on the internet, while trying to plan a trip to France. We knew, given our desire to see both Normandy and the south of France, that we would spend hours deliberating about the details. We provided Emily with a budget, the duration of our vacation and a few must-sees and she provided us with a three-week …
Margaret & Rob
We would like to add our names to everyone else here who have had a truly excellent experience when using Emilie's, France Just For You company. We drove 2800 km on a recent holiday, and it was all arranged by Emilie. Everything she organized was perfect. We stayed in B and Bs and although we know a little French, all of our hosts spoke fluent …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Rory
From the US
Enjoying a croissant at the B&B in Burgundy
Kate & Jake
from the US
On their honeymoon in front of Chenonceau castle
The Loo Family
From Malaysia
At the breakfast table in the Loire Valley
Kathie, Brian, Joan & Richard
from the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny
Ginette, Craig, Bev & Dan
from the US
Visiting a winery in Provence
Marcy, Michael & their daughters
from the US
A Paris !
Barbara & Gary
from the US
Buying cheese in Rocamadour
Phyllis, Gyu & the boys
from Korea
in Nice
Kathy & Bill
From the US
Biking in Burgundy for a day - near Chateau de la Rochepot
Marcia & Elliott
Celebrating Marcia's birthday in a Michelin restaurant
Harry
From Australia
In the War Cemetery in Normandy
Gary, Barbara, Lori and Ron
from the US
After a cooking class in Provence

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