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

Martha
Emilie did a fantastic job of planning our 13 day trip from Avignon to Bordeaux, with time spent in Provence, Cathar Country, Basque Country, and Bordeaux. Emilie is an excellent & responsive communicator. Emilie tailored our trip from reserving the rental car and the bed & breakfasts (wonderful places with wonderful hosts), setting up private …
Lucelle
I was amazed when I came across the website that ALL the reviews were excellent. From the moment I started dealing with Emilie I received amazing service in planning our wonderful trip to France. I will not repeat all the details that are in the previous posts but highlight some of the exceptional service that I received. The booking of the …
Jackie & Joe
Our trip to Paris, Normandy and the Lore Valley could not have been more enjoyable thanks to all the personalized attention that Emilie gave our requests! She even delivered on the perfect weather we asked for! All of the accommodations were very comfortable and the hosts were so friendly, helpful, and fluent in English. Although I am not usually a …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Mary-Ann & Ruth
From the US
Meeting Emilie in Normandy
Naomi
From the US
In Villandry gardens in the Loire Valley
Carole & Paul
from the US
Wine Tasting...
Tonia
from Canada
Cycling in the Loire Valley
Don with his hostess Oriana
From the US
At the hotel in Lyon
Fred
from Canada
Truffle hunting in Burgundy with Thierry
Bonnie & Steve
from the US
in Provence
Trea & Anna
From the US
In a little town in Provence
Peter
from Canada
Truffle Hunting in Dordogne
Judy, Marlyn, Alex & Jose from Mexico
Drinking Champagne at Taittinger in Reims...looking so French with the "beret"
Linda
From Australia
Making Chou-Buns at Valerie's
The Khaw Family
From Malaysia
With their guide Raphaelle in Paris with Notre Dame Cathedral in the background.

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