Château de Chinon

Description:

• The château consists of three buildings, two of which have been partially restored (they're still missing roofs). One of the restored buildings, Château du Milieu, dates from the 11th to the 15th centuries and contains the keep and clock tower, which houses a museum of Joan of Arc. A moat separates Château du Milieu from the other, Château du Coudray, which contains the Tour du Coudray, where Joan of Arc once stayed. In the 14th century, the Knights Templar were imprisoned here (they're responsible for the graffiti) before meeting violent deaths. Some of the grim walls from other dilapidated edifices remain, although many buildings -- including the Great Hall where Joan of Arc sought out the dauphin -- have been torn down.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010