Description
Eye Pleasure
The first impression when we arrive at Chinon, is that we have a beautiful postcard in front of us.
As in a photo, Vienne, a peaceful and undulating river where the sky is reflected, winds at the foot of the rocky outcrop where majestic white lines, 500 meters long by 100 meters wide, punctuated by Towers and a dungeon, enthroned : the walls of the Castle of Chinon.
Adjacent to the Pays de Loire, Region Centre and the department of Charente, the castle of Chinon is one of the jewels of the Loire Valley, historical and tourist landmarks, if any.
The History of France written within its walls
Both Castle and Royal Home, this building was built from east to west, along the natural boundary of the rocky outcrop that characterizes it.
The first building built, is the Fort du Coudray and the middle part of the castle, and finally Fort St. George.
The castle entrance is through the Clock Tower, which now houses the Museum of Joan of Arc.
We may found in these buildings the architectural features of its history since its origins in 1044.
From the day the counts of Blois lost their stronghold in favor of the Counts of Anjou, the Castle of Chinon had seen the history of France and England mingled and interweaved.
The original fortress was enlarged during the British occupation by Henry II, father of the equally famous Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland.
He built Fort St. George and the Tour du Moulin, 20 meters high, with a diameterof 8 meters.
50 years later, in 1205, after a long siege that lasted eight months it was the turn of Philip Augustus, King of France, the winner, to transform the Castle of Chinon in a royal residence, by raising the Dungeon, which was renamed as Tour du Coudray.
Philippe le Bel, used the walls to imprison the leaders of the Knights Templar, including Jacques de Molay, Grand Master of the Order.
For the record, it should be noted that the inscriptions still visible on the walls of the Tower of Coudray are attributed to the Templars, whose reputation has survived the centuries.
Due to its position as a royal residence, the Chateau de Chinon welcomed within its walls Charles VII during the Hundred Years War from 1427.
One of the most famous meeting sealed the fame of the Castle of Chinon.
For the occasion, the great room, majestically decorated, lighted, and inviting the whole court, in its finery, was the scene of the historic meeting of the King and Joan of Arc.
Legend has it that the young girl would have then come to recognize the King, disguised as a courtier in the crowd. Charles VII could not, therefore, doubt the truthfulness and the divine visions of the young shepherdess, and gave her his confidence.
Years passed, and in 1633, the new owner is none other than Cardinal Richelieu.
Chinon is then attached to the duchy of Richelieu close to a few kilometers away.
His family will retain this precious legacy to the Revolution.
Rise and Fall followed over the centuries, and after many attempts at renovation, Proper Merimee, Man of Letters, but also Man of Science, which was holding the office of Inspector of Historic Monuments launched the first campaign to rehabilitate this heritage.
The Chateau de Chinon is currently owned by the Department of Vienna.
One of the most impressive gardens of France
The Castle of Chinon, jewel nestled in a green and pleasant area, where hospitality is not an empty word, is located near the "gardens of France", which the town of Chinon is the Flower.
The sweetness of life, induced by a mild climate, varied flora and protected fauna invite strolling along the banks of the Vienne and its tributaries.
Gastronomy
The sweet life would not be complete without the pleasures of the palate!
Lovers of good wine and good food, should honor the reputation of Rabelais, a native son, and his main character Pantagruel, and come to enjoy a good glass of wine made from grapes of Cabernet Franc, the vineyards surrounding the town, and enjoy all the gustatory attractions of the region.
Hospitality and tourism
With its geographical location, its cultural diversity and its historical assets, the City of Chinon produces medieval shows in summer.
These festivals and events are presented to increase awareness of what could be the atmosphere of the city during the Middle Ages.
The department of Vienna and the City of Chinon has developed an infrastructure for accommodation, so that we can easily accommodate tourists.
Many hotels are located either in the heart of City, in historic districts or to the immediate surroundings.
The resources put in place to welcome tourists, lovers of history, of medieval architecture, literature and gastronomy, or simply the sweet life, have been developed within the Tourist Office.
Internet has made the hotel reservations easily accessible to all, with the various online accommodation possibilities.
Particularly varied, hotel supply is split into several categories, and offers online reservations for each.
Whether you want to enjoy the luxury of its hotels and castles or to satisfy the need for a romantic getaway or you wish to be hosted by a family, access to reservations via the Internet is accessible at any time.
Website
(Distance < 1 km)
(Distance < 1 km)
(Distance < 1 km)
(Distance < 1 km)
