Chinon is a city in the departement of Indre-et-Loire on the Loire Valley.

Understand

It was in Chinon’s remarkable medieval fortress that Joan of Arc recognised a disguised Charles VII as the future king of France. Leaving its walls, the quaysides of the River Vienne lead to the medieval alleyways of Old Chinon, where visitors will be enchanted by the spirit of Rabelais and the renowned local wine.

See

• 1 Château de Chinon (The Château of Chinon). (updated Jan 2018)
• 2 Église Saint-Étienne (Church of St Stephen). (updated Jan 2018)
• Old Chinon. (updated Jan 2018)
• 3 Musée du Vieux, Chinon (Folk Museum). (updated Jan 2018)
• 4 Musée animé du Vin et de la Tonnellerie (Wine and Cooperage Museum). (updated Jan 2018)

Drink

Chinon wines are very tasty and quite well-liked in France. Take advantage of the opportunity to drink some while you're visiting, as you may find some of these wines at a hefty markup when you get home.

Sleep

• 1 La Milaudière, 5 Rue Saint-Martin, ☏ +33 2 47 98 37 53. The bed and breakfast La Milaudière near Chinon, a typical farm of 15th-18th century, has seven rooms and offers free Wi-Fi. (updated Jan 2018)

Go next

All the following cities are no more than 1 hour 20 minutes' drive from Chinon:

• Tours
• Saumur
• Angers
• Poitiers

One of the best things to do is drive along the Loire and visit other châteaux and charming small towns along the way.

Also, many wineries can be visited in this prime wine-growing region.