The town of Chinon stands on the northern bank of the Vienne River in the heart of the Loire Valley area, between the cities of Angers and Tours. This small town boasts a near perfect medieval town centre which is located at the foot of the towering remains of the Chateau de Chinon that is perched high above the steep roofs and chimneys of this compact historic centre. Chinon is comprised of a storybook warren of narrow, often steep, cobble-stoned streets and alleyways which are lined with brick and half-timbered houses that alternate with sculpted stone town-houses built of the local white ‘tufa’ stone. This picturesque commune is centred around a square which features an attractive fountain, shaded restaurants and picturesque balconied houses, and is enjoyed by strolling the Rue Haute Saint-Maurice and the Rue Voltaire and exploring their side streets. It is within this historic centre that visitors will find well maintained and picturesque examples of 15th and 16th century houses such as the Maison Rouge (Red House), the Bailliage Palace (now a hotel) and the Maison des Etats Generaux, which houses the Museum of old Chinon. It is from this medieval part of town that a sloping zig-zag path leads visitors, as it led Joan of Arc in the 15th century, up to the Horloge Tower and the entrance to the Chateau de Chinon.
Today the Chateau de Chinon is the main attraction of Chinon, and is famous for once being the residence of the King of England, Henry Plantagenet, when this part of France was under English rule, and the place where Richard the Lionheart is said to have died. It later became the residence of Charles VII, heir to the throne of France in the early 1400’s, and was the site where Joan of Arc visited Charles VII during 1429 and convinced him to provide her with an army to rid France of the English occupants. The Chateau, which is formed of three fortresses, stands largely in ruins over a fairly large area and contains the 15th century Argenton Tower, the 13th century Dogs Tower, and the 12th century Mill Tower and the Boisy Tower, both of which form part of the Coudray Fort. Within the Coudray Tower, evidence can be seen of the imprisoned Templar Knights, whilst within the Horloge or Clock Tower, can be found the Joan of Arc Museum. Sitting high above the town on a plateau as it does, the Chateau is strategically placed to offer visitors spectacular open views of the Vienne River and the river valley.
Chinon is surrounded by some of the best vineyards in the Loire Valley, and is recognised for its production of good quality wines which are displayed in the various caves, or wine cellars of the town. The Caves Peinctes can be located off the Rue Voltaire and provides visitors with the opportunity to sample some of the local produce. Also located on the Rue Voltaire can be found the unique Museum of Wine in which animatronic models act out the process of wine and wine-barrel making.
For visitors looking for a more in depth view of the local community, Chinon offers the Musee des Amis du Vieux Chinon, which displays exhibits relating to the town, and the Maison de la Riviere, which exhibits the town’s maritime activities.
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