CHINON
Chinon
Contact details
Tourist Office Azay-Chinon Val de Loire - Chinon
1 rue Rabelais 37500 CHINON
Phone +33 2 47 93 17 85
https://www.azay-chinon-valdeloire.com
Chinon, cultural heritage and gastronomy in Rabelais’ homeland
On the borders of Touraine and Anjou, the Chinon area stretches along the Vienne River, between hills scatters with vines, forest and wooded countryside at the confluence of Loire and Vienne. These winegrowing landscapes dotted with charming villages hide an exceptional historical heritage, particularly in Chinon and Candes-Saint-Martin.
Chinon, a medieval town between Vienne and royal fortress
Winding lanes, half-timbered houses and Renaissance residences... the charming medieval town of Chinon is dominated by its imposing royal fortress, witnessing the meeting between Joan of Arc and Charles VII. It is from the southern quays of the Vienne River, which flows down below, that you can enjoy the most spectacular view of the impressive monument.
Chinon state forest, a vast playground
To the north, the former Royal Forest of Chinon can be explored by hiking (GR3 in particular), by bicycling or from an educational point of view with the nature trail of Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt.
The surrounding vineyard landscapes are interspersed with woods, villages, hamlets and big square farms with enclosed courtyards, typical for this region. Numerous wineries are welcoming you for tastings.
Gastronomy in the Rabelais country
The Chinon area is renowned for its gastronomy and its fine wines, praised by Rabelais. His birthplace “La Devinière”, located in the rolling countryside, is home to a beautiful museum for young and old. A literary stroll leads to the nearby abbey of Seuilly.
Candes-Saint-Martin, a spectacular confluence with the Loire River
The Vienne, suitable for navigation by canoes or traditional boats, becomes narrower downstream, nestled between the tufa stone hillside and the green Véron Bocage. Candes-Saint-Martin is member of the “Plus Beaux village de France” (Label: Most beautiful villages of France) and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the confluence with the Royal River.