Do you know Chinon? This charming medieval town, also known as Ville-Fort, is nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley. Dominated by its royal fortress, majestically overlooking the Vienne River, this town, classified as a place of Art and History, will transport you back in time with its cobbled streets and tufa stone houses. In addition to its emblematic wines, we were fascinated by the historical richness of the area, which has seen such great names in French history as Joan of Arc and François Rabelais.
Here's our guide to the must-see places in Chinon en Loire, with useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Chinon worth a visit?
Absolutely, we think Chinon is well worth a visit. This medieval town, listed as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (Town of Art and History), took us back in time with its imposing royal fortress, cobbled streets and old houses built of tufa stone or timber-framed. A tasting of local wines is also well worth the detour!
It's one of the most beautiful towns on the Loire, ideally situated in the heart of the AOC Chinon vineyards and close to several châteaux.
1. Go back in time at the Royal Fortress of Chinon
Dive into the heart of French history with us at the Royal Fortress of Chinon, one of the few medieval castles in the Loire Valley. The 180° panoramic view from the Clock Tower literally took our breath away! Overlooking the town and the Vienne valley, we imagined the battles that might once have taken place here. Inside, you'll be fascinated by the furnished reconstruction of Charles VII's bedroom, and by the room dedicated to works of art depicting Joan of Arc, a major figure in the Hundred Years' War, who met the king here in 1429. It's also one of the most beautiful fortresses to visit in the Loire region, especially with your children!
- Opening hours: open daily all year round (except 01/01 and 25/12) - November to January: 9:30am-5pm, March/April/September/October: 9:30am-6pm, May to August: 9:30am-7pm
- Price: €10.50 (adults), free for under-7s
- See the latest news on the official website here
- Book your tickets
- Our tips: toilets near the parking lot, but also inside the fortress at the reception area, with changing facilities for very young children, no set direction for discovering the fortress, only Fort Saint-Georges, where the reception building is located, free mediation with the Histopad (interactive tablet) to make your visit immersive, visits adapted to all age groups and numerous activities for children.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
2. Admire the location of the Porte du Vieux-Marché
This western entrance to the Ville-Fort was once defended by a fortified gate that no longer exists. We were able to observe some of the remains of the city walls, including the base of a circular tower on the banks of the Vienne river. In the Middle Ages, a market was held on the site of today's square, before being relocated in the 15th century. You'll appreciate the history of this strategic location, which gave access to Rue Haute Saint-Maurice (now Rue Voltaire), the town's main thoroughfare, and is home to numerous medieval dwellings and private mansions from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
- Opening hours: accessible 24/7
- Price: free access
- Information panels available in 3 languages (French, English, German)
- Our advice: in the historic center, which is best explored on foot, wear good shoes, even if the ground is fairly flat and there are cobblestones.
3. Visit the city's museums
Chinon is home to several museums, each offering a unique perspective on local history and culture. The Musée Le Carroi impressed us with its objects and works tracing the history of Chinon from prehistory to the 19th century. You'll discover such remarkable pieces as the chape de Saint-Mexme, an 11th-century Hispano-Moorish textile, and a portrait of 15th-century author François Rabelais by artist Eugène Delacroix. The Musée Animé du Vin et de la Tonnellerie is also worth a visit, with its automata illustrating traditional wine-making. Did you know it's also a restaurant? While the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires, located in the Chapelle Sainte-Radegonde, plunges you into the rural life of yesteryear in a troglodytic setting.
- Musée du Carroi: open from April 9 to June 30, from 2pm to 6pm every day except Tuesday. From July 1 to August 30, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm daily. See the latest news and prices on the official website here
- Musée du Vin et de la Tonnellerie: more information on opening times and prices by phone on +33 (0) 2 47 93 25 63
- Musée des Arts et Traditions populaires: more information on opening times and prices from the Tourist Office here
- Our advice: keep in mind that these are small museums, so combine the visits with a stroll through the historic center and ideally with the fortress for complete historical and cultural coverage! Wear good shoes with non-slip soles for a leisurely stroll through the city center, as well as comfortable clothes. It's best to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds. Finally, note that these museums are housed in old buildings, converted cellars or troglodytic sites with limited accessibility for PRMs and baby carriages.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Stroll the narrow streets of the town center
Take time to stroll through Chinon's charming cobbled streets. Strolling along Rue Voltaire and Rue Haute Saint-Maurice, we admired the richly decorated old houses. Don't forget to look up to admire the old tufa stone dwellings with sculpted mouldings and mascarons on the facades, as well as the timber-framed houses! The town center benefits from a protected area that preserves its exceptional heritage, with fine old mansions such as the Hôtel particulier Bodard de la Jacopière, built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Finally, take the hillside elevator down to the bottom of the town, then walk back up to appreciate all the architectural details that make this medieval town so charming.
- Map and suggested route available here
- Our tips: wear good shoes and comfortable clothes, slight incline in the center, old cobbled medieval streets. To avoid the crowds, opt for a walk in the morning or after 5pm. You can start at Place Jeanne d'Arc and work your way up to the fortress, or vice versa, alternating between shops, alleyways and panoramic views. Take a gourmet break in a restaurant or café with a shaded terrace, weather permitting, like the Restaurant Au Local, with its sublime view of the fortress! Check out the tourist office website for regular events in Chinon, including markets, concerts, readings of Rabelais' works and historical re-enactments.
5. Spend a night in the city
To really soak up Chinon's medieval atmosphere, nothing beats an overnight stay. You'll enjoy the calm of the alleyways early in the morning, before visitors arrive, and the night-time charm of the illuminated old town. In summer, you can even enjoy night-time tours of the fortress and entertainment in the town. A wide range of characterful accommodation awaits you, from bed and breakfasts to old dwellings and tufa stone houses housing charming hotels. Some areas even offer troglodytic lodgings for an authentic experience in this region where stone and history come together perfectly.
- There are many options in and around town: charming hotels, bed & breakfasts, gîtes, cave dwellings, etc.
- Discover the best places to stay in Chinon
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
6. Push open the doors of Saint-Maurice Church
Église Saint-Maurice is the only parish church in the Ville-Fort. Rebuilt from the 12th century onwards, and gradually enlarged until the 16th century, it features an interesting mix of architectural styles. You'll be impressed by the nave's central space and the choir, covered with richly decorated "Angevin" barrel vaults. The later side aisle features complex ribbed vaults resting on Renaissance capitals. Take time to admire the details, including the musician angels sculpted on the 13th-century keystones, a testament to the artistic refinement of the medieval era.
- Opening hours: open daily from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Price: free access
- Consult the mass schedule here
- Our advice: parking is available in front of the church with staircases, dress appropriately in church and behave respectfully in a place of worship.
7. Stroll along the Vienne river
Our walk along the Vienne river gave us an exceptional view of the fortress. We took a moment to admire this impressive panorama from the other side of the river as we crossed the Pont de Chinon, a structure that has stood since the 12th century! The green, tree-lined quays create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing stroll. If you're lucky, you'll enjoy beautiful lights at sunrise and sunset, when the fortress and the town are beautifully reflected in the waters of the Vienna River. This walk, accessible to all, will help you understand the strategic importance of Chinon, built between the river and the rocky promontory.
- Information panels in 3 languages (French, English, German) with map and view of the town and fortress (fortress/castle, fortifications and churches)
- Our tips: The banks of the Vienne are particularly suitable for PRMs: flat sidewalks, good surfacing, unobstructed views. The quays offer a pleasant, level promenade, ideal for strollers.
8. Treat yourself to a wine tasting
How can we not mention the emblematic wines of Chinon? In a word, our palate was seduced. The vast and diverse Chinon AOC revealed surprising terroirs from one winemaker to the next. In conversation with these wine artisans, we learned about the impact of history and climate on these grands crus. Note that the Caves Painctes, located beneath the Royal Fortress, are an emblematic site that inspired the French Renaissance humanist writer François Rabelais. Here you can taste Chinon wines in an authentic setting, while learning about the region's winegrowing history.
Along the way, don't hesitate to stop and visit other estates such as Château de Ligré or the vineyards of Bertrand and Pierre Couly. Find our suggestions for the best wine tastings in the Loire here and the best wine cellars in the region here, which undeniably include AOC Chinon wines.
- Duration: approx. 1 hour for a vineyard tour and tasting
- For Caves Painctes, more information here
- Book 1 day tour of Chinon with lunch and wine tasting here
- Explore 2 wineries in Chinon and Bourgueil - see the program
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
9. Cycle through the vineyards
Combining long bike rides along the Loire with wine tasting and cellar visits is a must if you want to enjoy the region! Did you know that the Loire River cycle route covers 900km? This 2-wheeled escapade really relaxed us. Ahead of us, the scenery was breathtaking as we crossed the vineyards. You'll even have the opportunity to picnic in these exotic surroundings. Follow well-marked, safe itineraries such as "La Loire à Vélo", and prefer the sections between Saumur, Chinon, Tours and Amboise to alternate heritage, nature and gourmet breaks at wineries.
- Recommended equipment: helmet, repair kit, water bottle, anti-theft device, sun cream, light windbreaker
- Our itineraries and tips on La Loire à vélo here
- Cycling from Chinon through the vineyards of Saumur - See prices, photos and availability
- Our advice: follow itineraries such as "La Loire à vélo", preferring the sections between Saumur, Chinon, Tours and Amboise for a mix of heritage, nature and gourmet delights, with few shops on some stretches.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers' beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Other attractions in and around Chinon
In addition to the must-see attractions, Chinon and the surrounding area are full of other treasures to discover during your stay in the region.
In Chinon
Don't miss:
- The city's markets and flea markets, an authentic experience for discovering local products and antique or collectible items - find out more here
- The oenological escape game that combines riddles and the discovery of local wines - more info here
- The statues of François Rabelais and Joan of Arc that adorn the town are testimony to its rich historical and cultural past.
Around Chinon
Just a few minutes away, you'll find :
- La Maison La Devinière in Seuilly, François Rabelais' home and museum, 20 minutes' drive - see details here
- The Centre d'Art autour de l'osier in Villaines-les-Rochers, 25min from Chinon, where this traditional know-how is perpetuated - see details here.
- The Musée Balzac at Château de Saché, a 30-minute drive away, for literature enthusiasts - see details here
Day trips
Take advantage of your stay to explore the major sites nearby:
- Château d'Azay-Le-Rideau, a sublime Renaissance-style jewel surrounded by water, just 20 minutes away by car
- The impressive Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, necropolis of the Plantagenets, a 25-minute drive away.
- The vineyards of Saumur and the Chateaux of the Loire Valley, such as Villandry (30min drive) and its exceptional gardens, are also within easy reach for a day trip.
How to get to Chinon + parking
Where is Chinon
- In the Indre-et-Loire department, Centre-Val de Loire region
- Tours: 50min drive
- Saumur: 40min drive
- Angers: 1h10min drive
- Blois: 1h20min drive
How to get there
- By car: this is the best way to get to Chinon, so you can easily explore the town and surrounding area. From Paris, allow around 3 hours' drive via the A10 freeway, 40 minutes from Saumur via the D751/D947 and 50 minutes by car from Tours via the D751.
- By train: For public transportation, Chinon has a small SNCF train station with connections to Tours.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
- By bus: Local buses also serve the town from neighboring towns. To get around town, you can also use the Sitravel public transport network. Consult bus fares and timetables here.
- Organized tours: Finally, if you don't want to drive, several organized tours offer excursions to Chinon from Tours or Saumur, often combined with visits to other Loire castles and wine tastings.
- By plane: The nearest airports to Chinon are by car, Tours airport is 50 minutes away and Poitiers-Biard airport, 1h10min. Compare available flights.
Parking in Chinon
Chinon offers several parking options, both paid and free. We recommend that you park your car and then explore the city on foot. We have listed some free locations such as:
- The Forteresse parking lot, avenue François Mitterrand, opposite the Café des Silènes, which also has a charging station for electric vehicles (about a 20-minute walk from the Forteresse, along a well-explained path).
- Place Jeanne d'Arc parking lot (about a 15-minute walk from the fortress)
Awarded the Loire à Vélo label, the fortress has bicycle parking spaces to the north of the site and to the south in one of the parking lots on Avenue François Mitterand (more info here).
Parking is regulated in certain areas of the historic center. PRM parking spaces are available near Place Mirabeau and Chinon town hall. For more information on rates and locations, visit the city's website here.
Useful tips for visiting Chinon
How long and when?
Allow at least a full day to explore Chinon properly. If you'd like to visit the fortress, the museums and enjoy a wine tasting, we recommend staying overnight for greater flexibility and peace of mind.
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions for a visit: pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than in summer and magnificent landscapes with vineyards in autumn colors or nature in spring bloom. Enough to make you dream!
Unsurprisingly, summer is the peak tourist season, with more events and more visitors. Winter offers a more intimate atmosphere, although some sites may have reduced opening hours.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We recommend you start at the fortress in the morning to avoid the crowds, then head down to explore the historic center and finish with a stroll along the Vienna River. You can use the Coteau elevator (located on Rue de la Brèche) to move easily between the upper and lower parts of the town.
Note that the historic center has some cobbled streets and moderate slopes, so bring comfortable shoes. Most of the main sites are grouped within a small perimeter, easily accessible on foot.
For those with reduced mobility and strollers, bear in mind that some parts of the fortress and the cobbled streets may be difficult to access (narrow streets, moderate to steep gradients in the historic heart). A stroll through the historic heart of Chinon is still possible, but the route can be adapted:
- main streets such as rue Voltaire and rue Haute Saint-Maurice are cobbled but suitable for a large-wheeled baby carriage
- the main streets (rue Voltaire, place du Général de Gaulle, Quais de la Vienne) are relatively flat and wide, making them pleasant to walk in a wheelchair or with a walker
- The park of the Royal Fortress of Chinon is easily accessible.
The quays of the Vienne and certain sections of the city center are also well developed.
A map is available at the entrance to the town center near the public toilets, with various indications to make your visit easier.
Visiting with children
In our opinion, Chinon is an ideal family destination. The Forteresse Royale offers a wide range of activities for children, including the Histopad, with its captivating 3D reconstructions, and the Bertille Trail for 5-10 year-olds. We particularly enjoyed the escape game "À la découverte des âmes perdues des Templiers" (Discovering the lost souls of the Knights Templar), which is open to children aged 9 and over.
You can also take a pleasant stroll along the Vienne river, visit the Musée Animé du Vin et de la Tonnellerie with its automatons, or explore the surrounding area by bike on secure sections of the Loire à Vélo.
Restaurants
We haven't yet tested all the restaurants in Chinon.
But on our list is:
- the Restaurant Au Local, which offered us a superb view of the fortress and whose bistronomic cuisine combined with local wines delighted our taste buds
- Restaurant L'Ardoise for its traditional cuisine
- Restaurant Les Années 30 for its elegant setting
Visiting in winter
Looking for a more intimate, authentic experience in Chinon? Try a winter visit! We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the medieval alleyways and the unobstructed views of the fortress without the summer crowds. But be sure to check opening times, as some museums, restaurants and accommodation have seasonal closures. January is generally the coldest month, but the main sites such as the fortress remain accessible. To plan your visit, consult the tips and list of open venues on the tourist office website here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
