Where is chinon france

Markets are held in the morning unless stated. The French version of this page is at Chinon Francais. French cathedrals Explore many of the most beautiful cathedrals in France Normandy beaches Visit the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy French gardens Discover many of the most beautiful gardens in France French castles From hilltop forts to luxury palaces, explore the castles of France. Hotels in Chinon Booking. Chateau du Rivau One of the more modest castles in the region, both the Chateau de Rivau and its associated gardens are very pleasant to explore Chateau du Rivau guide.

Candes-Saint-Martin In the village of Candes-Saint-Martin, a 'most beautiful village in France', you can see the Vienne river, a medieval collegiale church and a lovely viewpoint Candes-Saint-Martin guide. Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church The collegiate church of Candes-Saint-Martin has numerous medieval statues incorporated in the facade and porch Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church guide.

Tavant Tavant is a small village but a visit to se the murals in the church is recommended when you are nearby Tavant guide. Indre-et-Loire places to visit. French Places We can help you visit any town, village or region of France Search now! French cathedrals Explore many of the most beautiful cathedrals in France. Normandy beaches Visit the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy.

This fort was built by Henry II as a base for administration and is still used for the same purpose: it now provides access to the main castle. This building also holds the Joan of Arc Museum, dedicated to explaining the actions taken by Joan of Arc. The Middle Castle includes the royal accommodation, the clocktower and two other towers.

This part of the castle was rebuilt in the 14th century although only the southern part of the royal quarters remains today. The rooms that were once the royal accommodation which now show presentations about the people that shaped the history of castle over the centuries. Two of the towers are at the northern side of the castle and both were built for defensive purposes.

The main tower in the Middle Castle is the clocktower and is the most substantial: it is also the main tower providing access to the castle, and used for various exhibitions as well as having a parapet at the top with lovely views across Chinon. Beyond the central part of the castle you reach the Coudray Fort, which also has three towers.

The main tower here was used as a prison and in the tower you can see the graffiti that was carved in the stone walls by Templar knights awaiting their executions, after the templars were suppressed in the early 14th century.

The castle is open all year except January 1 and December 25, from until in winter and until in summer. Entrance costs around 9 euros. Of course, you will also want to explore the town of Chinon while you are here: the medieval part of Chinon, below the castle walls, is the most interesting part of the town and can be reached by lift from the castle, or along a steep path.

See more Loire Valley castles. See more castles in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Indre-et-Loire guide and the Loire Valley guide. For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars. As well as the castle, Chinon has a very impressive medieval centre to explore and lovely river views.

School until the early s, it now houses a cultural center including a small wooden theater used in summer. Formerly a place of pagan worship installed around a well dug in the rock, the Sainte-Radegonde chapel dates from the Middle Ages. It was built around the burial place of the hermit Jean de Chinon.

Inside we can appreciate several murals, including that representing members of the Plantagenet family in the twelfth century. Several museums take place in the city like that of wine and cooperage, that of popular Arts and Traditions, or that of Carroi.

Housed in the House of the States General, the latter unveils collections of works of art retracing the history of the town and its surroundings, such as this portrait of Rabelais by Delacroix, faience of Langeais , or the screed of Saint -Mexme, a Hispano-Moorish fabric of the twelfth century. Walking through the city, you can discover several statues representing the great figures of Chinon following the example of Rabelais, Joan of Arc, or the Sacred Heart which reminds by his pose Christ of Corcovado.

Equestrian sports fans will be able to head to the racecourse of Grigny to have a good time. The market is held every Thursday morning. At the beginning of August, a medieval market and an old market offer several animations.

A Christmas market takes place in December. A flea market is also held every third Sunday of the month on the banks of the Vienne. In April, it's time for the spring fair with its flea market and carnival. It is also an opportunity to participate in the contest of the most beautiful beard. In May, Chinon in Fanfares proposes a guinguette on the banks of Vienna, as well as parades of fanfares.

A fireworks and a popular dance are organized on July 14 on the occasion of the national holiday. Virtual visit. Add to favourites Remove from favourites.

Add to itinerary Remove from itinerary. Have your say Add to itinerary Open map How to get there. Additional information Chinon. Leisure activities. Places of interest. Tourist Office of Chinon. Museum of the Vieux Chinon. Racecourse of Grigny. Castle of Chinon. Train station of Chinon.