Visit Chinon: castle, wine and medieval atmosphere

Chinon, a town with a rich architectural heritage Testimony to a prestigious past

Discover Chinon’s built heritage, testimony to a prestigious past. In addition to the royal fortress, the town is home to remarkable buildings such as theChapelle Sainte-Radegonde, a semi-troglodytic edifice not far from Chinon’s historic town centre, the collégiale Saint-Mexme, or the church of Saint-Maurice. Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, le Carroi initiates fine exhibitions each year within the hôtel des États généraux.

©Chinon Jazz Festival|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND

Why is Chinon so famous?

Ville d’Art et d’Histoire, Chinon’s fame rests above all on its majestic Fortress Royale. Savour this very pretty view over the town and the Vienne valley. This medieval monument built on a rocky spur groups together 3 châteaux and is one of the great sites of the Loire Valley. When you visit it, plunge behind the scenes of French history, meeting the templars, Joan of Arc, Richard the Lionhearted, Henry II Plantagenet King of England and so many other no less famous figures.

Your visit to the royal fortress of Chinon can take many forms:

the Histopad, an augmented reality digital guide
a Monument Game, an escape game during which you explore every nook and cranny of the castle, from the towers to the underground passages
the annual exhibitions and events on offer during the school holidays
not forgetting the magic of the Christmas decorations in castle country!

Practical information

The historic districts of Chinon’s old town can be explored along 2 routes (Cœur de Ville / Troglos et Nature), maps of which are available from the Tourist Office.

Guided tour of Chinon

Chinon wines A wine experience not to be missed

It’s impossible to talk about Chinon without mentioning the vineyards that surround the town. Nestling on the slopes of the Vienne, Chinon wines are a local pride and joy. Mainly red, with Cabernet Franc as the dominant grape variety, you’ll be seduced by their fruity aromas and finesse. Are you a wine lover? Then discover the troglodyte cellars, dug into the tufa rock, during guided tours organised by the producers who own these estates. Don’t hesitate to push open the door of one of the many cellars for a tasting, and who knows, leave with a few bottles of these precious nectars. As well as reds, Chinon also produces white and rosé wines, perfect for accompanying meals on the terrace in fine weather. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a novice, discovering the wines of Chinon is a must during your stay.

The winegrowers who own these estates will be delighted to welcome you for a wonderful visit, and to delight your taste buds!

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What to do in Chinon The must-haves

Visit Chinon on foot?

Its charms are best discovered on foot. A stroll through the centre of Chinon will give you the opportunity to discover timber-framed houses, town houses and historic monuments testifying to the town’s prosperity in the Middle Ages, small courtyards with discreet charm and craftsmen’s stalls. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the maze of narrow streets, all the way to the Place de la Fontaine (or Place des Trois Grâces).
Pause for lunch in one of the restaurants to sample the regional specialities, accompanied by a glass of good local wine.
The banks of the Vienne also offer a pleasant stroll. Along the quay, you can admire the view of the fortress and enjoy the calm of the banks.

Unusual visits in Chinon

Les Caves Painctes

This is a must-see in Chinon. They inspired François Rabelais to create the Temple de la Dive Bouteille, a nod to his father who owned a cellar there. Today, it belongs to the winegrowers of Chinon, and is home to the prestigious Entonneurs Rabelaisiens brotherhood. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the “Dive Bouteille” during a one-hour guided tour. Times vary according to the season. A gourmet and historical rendezvous not to be missed!

The CHIMOMU: The Motorcycle and Miniature Museum in Chinon

It features a unique collection of 70 exceptional motorbikes and 1,600 miniatures. You’ll be amazed by over 40 makes and 12 countries, covering the period from the 1960s to the 2000s, marked by the rise of Japanese motorbikes. Many of these brands have disappeared, but they continue to evoke memories or introduce younger visitors to emblematic models that have marked the history of motorcycling.

Going out in Chinon

There’s no shortage of opportunities: markets first and foremost. We love their smells, their friendliness and their village atmosphere. In Chinon, there’s a market every Thursday morning on Place Jeanne d’Arc or every Sunday morning on Place Charles de Gaulle.

There are other not-to-be-missed events throughout the year, not to be missed:

The Winegrowers’ Market
The Medieval Market
The Chinon Corrida
Guitar tours…

What is Chinon’s culinary speciality?

River fish take pride of place on the plates. Cabernet franc, the emblematic grape variety, is the perfect accompaniment to this local speciality. And don’t miss a taste of fouée, a small galette cooked over a wood fire, often topped with rillettes or fromage frais, or try the winegrower’s tart from Maison Ayrolle. A delicious treat!

Here’s a small selection from the many Chinon restaurants:

L’Ardoise
L’Océanic
Nemrod Chinon
Les Années 30
L’Entrepôtes
Au local…

©Ayrolle Chinon winegrower's tart|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND

What to do in Chinon when it rains? The castle but also…

Don’t let the rain put you off! Chinon is full of activities to do even if the weather isn’t on your side. In season, visit the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Le Carroi not far from the centre of Chinon.
You can also opt for a tasting in one of the local cellars, a great opportunity to meet the owners and learn more about Chinon wines while staying sheltered.

Chinon nature: activities to discover

Are you morecanoeing or stand-up paddle?

Tour rides in a toue cabanée or strolls along the Vienne riverbank?

Discover the town of Chinon from a different angle. There’s something for everyone, at your own pace. Whether along the water, on foot or by bike, there are countless itineraries. The voie verte de Richelieu, the Loire à vélo, the cycling loops dot the Chinon area, but also hiking routes such as the GR3 among others are so many alternatives for discovering the area around Chinon. Take your time, stop whenever you like and enjoy the moment.

And why not head to La guinguette rabelaisienne, below Chinon fortress? The atmosphere is festive and the view breathtaking. The concerts and other events taking place throughout the season will bring your day to a happy and colourful close!

Stay in Chinon

So, is Chinon worth the diversions?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Between the richness of its historical heritage, its cultural dynamism and the beauty of its landscapes, Chinon is well worth devoting a day or even a whole weekend to. Whether you’re a history buff, a gourmet or a nature lover, Chinon has plenty of surprises in store for you. Come and discover this pearl of the Loire Valley and let yourself be charmed by its hidden treasures.

For those who are more curious, a visit to Azay-le-Rideau, some fifteen kilometres away, will complete your delight.