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

Robert
I can't say enough about how much we loved working with Emily and Laura. I am a wine geek and they put together a full day private tour of Burgundy (with a fantastic guide) and a half day visit and basket lunch at a wonderful winery in Provence. In addition there was a private half day walking tour of Paris and a private tour of the Palais des …
Nicole
My husband and I used Emilie from France Just For You to plan a special trip for our anniversary. We loved the fact that our trip had structure, but at the same time, we had freedom to explore as we wished. We also loved the fact that the trip included guided tours, but we were not tied to a tour group as such. Emilie planned our trip according to …
Martina & Simon from the UK
A fantastic well-planned self-drive tour We had the most amazing time on our 6 week self-drive tour designed by Laura, travelling through Brittany, Loire, Dordogne, Medoc, Basque France, Languedoc, Provence, the Alps, Alsace and Champagne. This was a big trip for us and it was everything I’d hoped and dreamed and even more besides. All our …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Marcy, Michael & their daughters
from the US
A Paris !
Bonnie & her 2 daughters
from Canada
In Ménerbes, Provence
Jim
From Australia
At the top of the Rhune mount in the Basque Country
Greg, Laurie, Laura & Jeff
From the US
With their B&B host near Mont Saint Michel
Athena, Joanne, Don & Paul
from the US
Spending a day biking in the Loire Valley
Marcy, Mike & their daughters
from the US
in front of Clos Vougeot in Burgundy
Sharon & Gary
from Canada
In Chambord castle - Loire Valley
Trea & Anna
From the US
In a little town in Provence
Darlene & Howard
from the US
At Emilie's parents with Jeanne & Pauline (our daughters)
Ruth & Mary-Ann
From the US
In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Kathy, Keith, Rose & Bryan
from the US
on Utah Beach - WWII landing site, Normandy
Kate & Jake
from the US
On their honeymoon in front of Chenonceau castle

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