Chinon lies along the Vienne river and its old castle looks down from the hill above. The town has a famous history involving the kings of France and England and the ride of Joan of Arc as well as a significant literary tradition as the town of Rabelais. Today the city is also famous for its numerous vineyards and great wines. (2007)
The clock tower of the castle looks over the white tuft buildings of the town
A view from the ramparts of the castle over the town, the river, and winelands beyond.
Site of the oldest buildings of the city, this medieval “Grand Carroi” is also where Joan of Arc supposedly arrived on her quest to find the true king of France hiding in the castle
Chinon is a popular wine region and there are lots of local growers. My friend’s family has connections to one of these in town which I was able to go visit
Some interesting “maisons troglodyte” in town–homes built into the tuff rock of the hille