Chinon, a medieval past
Chinon, a medieval past
Chinon... an evocative name! Foodies will recall an excellent bottle of wine, while history enthusiasts will be reminded of Joan of Arc and Richard Lionheart. The name evokes the works of François Rabelais for literary types.
Chinon's riches are many: vineyards as far as the eye can see, a majestic royal fortress (now renovated with a contemporary museum display) that towers over the village centre and its half-timbered houses, not to mention a zest for life that matches that of Gargantua!
The city is best explored on foot (an elevator link from the lower village to the fortress has been available for 2 years now). Why not take a break to snack on a fouace, or visit one of the town's wine cellars or cafés. Fantastic views of the ramparts and the Vienne river abound from the guinguette café.
