Introduction
283km (176 miles) SW of Paris; 48km (30 miles) SW of Tours; 31km (19 miles) SW of Langeais
In the film Joan of Arc, Ingrid Bergman sought out the dauphin as he tried to conceal himself among his courtiers. This took place in real life at the Château de Chinon, one of the oldest fortress-châteaux in France. Charles VII centered his government at Chinon from 1429 to 1450. In 1429, with the English besieging Orléans, the Maid of Orléans prevailed upon the dauphin to give her an army. The rest is history. The seat of French power stayed at Chinon until the end of the Hundred Years' War.
Today, Chinon remains a tranquil village known mainly for its delightful red wines. After you visit the attractions, we recommend taking a walk along the Vienne River; definitely stop to taste the wine at one of Chinon's terraced cafes. Allow 3 hours to see Chinon.
more local info
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Château de Chinon
The château consists of three buildings, two of which have been partially restored (they're still missing roofs). One of the restored buildings,...
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Musée de la Devinière
The most famous son of Chinon, François Rabelais, the earthy and often bawdy Renaissance writer, lived on rue de la Lamproie. (A plaque marks the...
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- Museums
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