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 …
Carol & Bruce from the US
A perfect 2 weeks in Provence in the spring! My husband and I were delighted with the itinerary ‘FJFY’ put together for our 2-week self-drive road trip in Provence. During the planning stages Emilie and Laura asked insightful questions about our lifestyle and desires relating to travel. Communications were outstanding throughout the planning stage …
Jeanne & Michael from Australia
A Great Cultural Experience What we loved most about our wonderful trip was the special activities that FJFY hand picked and tailor made for our interests. We did an awesome cooking experience in Provence, a fun food and wine walking tour with in Nice and a very enjoyable and informative walk in Lagrasse with Carlos. We visited many local markets …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Kathy & Steve from the US
Having dinner at the B&B in the Loire Valley
Christina & her niece
from Australia
In the Wolves Sanctuary in Guéret
Jim
From Australia
At the top of the Rhune mount in the Basque Country
Kelsey
from the US
With her hosts at the B&B in the Loire Valley
Leslie & Family
from the US
A la Tour Eiffel, Paris
John & David
David & John from Canada
Chocolate & Wine tasting in Carcassonne
Bev & John
from Canada
in Bordeaux
Tracey & Sandra
From the US
In Provence...
Theresa & Bill
From the US
Between the vineyards & the lavenders in Provence
Cathy & Rich
from the US
Walking Mont Saint Michel Bay
David & Lindsay
From the US
Celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary in France
Kathy, Keith, Rose & Bryan
from the US
on Utah Beach - WWII landing site, Normandy

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