Things To Do In Chinon: 1-Day Itinerary

Chinon is a pretty town lying on the Vienne River in the Loire Valley. Wandering through the narrow cobblestoned mediaeval streets, you will come across timber-framed houses, unusual shops, ancient inns, and charming cafes where you can have a coffee and people-watch. The town has a chateau that is famous throughout the country as it was where St Joan of Arc met King Charles II in 1429. For many years the town housed the government, and a number of kings called it home. Apart from the chateau, there are several churches to visit and an interesting museum. Chinon is also a great base if you want to visit wineries, vineyards, and the many chateaux in the area.

We have prepared a 1-day itinerary which will take you to the highlights of the town. If you have more time, we have suggested other sites in and close to Chinon.

Day 1

Morning: Forteresse Royale De Chinon

The chateau is the ideal place to start your tour as it is the highlight of the town. To get to it is a bit of a climb so you may want to do this when your energy is at its highest. However, there is a lift as well if you don’t fancy the climb. The chateau was originally built as a fortress in 954 and has kept its original style unlike many chateaux in the Loire Valley which were updated in the Renaissance style. In the 12th century, Henry II, King of England and King of Anjou made it his home.

The chateau offers guided tours, non-guided tours with a Hisptopad tablet, and tours with a booklet. Highlights include the furnished reconstruction of Charles VII’s bedroom and the room with mediaeval weapons.

Joan Of Arc Museum

At the entrance to the chateau is a clock tower where you will find the Joan of Arc Museum. It houses articles about the 100 Years War and many sculptures and paintings of Joan of Arc. You can climb the tower for fantastic views of the town.

Le Carroi: Musée D’Arts Et D’Histoire

The museum is only a five-minute walk from the chateau and deserves a good two-hour visit as there is plenty to see. It houses around 8,600 artefacts relating to fine arts, archaeology, and local history. There is a splendid collection of Renaissance artworks including a painting of Rabelais by Eugene Delacroix. A highlight is the collection of tapestries from the Middle Ages dating to the 13th century. They show biblical scenes and depict the lives of saints. A bonus is that it’s free to get into the museum.

You will have spent a considerable amount of time exploring the chateau and museum, so you will probably be ready for lunch by this time. There is a restaurant close by called La Table de Jeanne that serves traditional French cuisine like coq au vin. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Day 1 - Chinon Tour Map

Afternoon: Eglise Saint Maurice

A seven-minute walk from the museum takes you to one of the many churches in the town, the Eglise Saint Maurice. It was built in the 12th century, replacing a 10th-century building. It was extended with a choir in the 12th century, a bell tower was added in the 15th century, and a side aisle in the 16th century. It was designated a historical monument in 1913. Most of the church was designed in the Gothic style, but the southern aisle is Renaissance. A highlight of the church is a statue of Joan of Arc created by Jules Dechin in 1900. The stained-glass windows are beautiful and were created by Theo Hanssen after the originals were destroyed by German bombing during WWII.

Statue De Rabelais

A five-minute walk takes you to the statue of Rabelais who is credited with being the first outstanding writer in France. Attracting opposition from both the Protestant and Catholic religions, he wrote Pantagruel which is a satire of religion, politics, and the society of the day.

Place du Général De Gaulle

Having seen the statue, walk to the Place du Général De Gaulle which takes two minutes. This is the modern part of town and where all the shops are so if you are a shopaholic, you will love it here. If not, have a coffee in one of the many cafes and people-watch.

Eglise Saint Etienne De Chinon

A four-minute walk takes you to the 15th-century Gothic church of Saint Etienne, a Romanesque building listed as a historical site in 1962. It houses a statue of Joan of Arc created by Francois Sicard. Another highlight is a fresco exhibited on the north wall of the nave, found in the Collegiate Church of Saint Mexme.

Collegiate Church Of Saint Mexme

A three-minute walk takes you to this church, the main religious building in Chinon until the Revolution. It is only open for guided visits and needs to be booked in advance. It is well worth it as it has stunning stained-glass windows as well as elaborate carvings. When restoration work was carried out in the 1980s, fragments of wall paintings from the 11th to the 15th centuries were discovered and can now be viewed.

Day 1 - Chinon Tour Map

Other Things To Do In Chinon

• Troglodyte Chapel of Sainte-Radegonde: This underground building is on the slopes above Chinon and was originally a place of pagan worship before it was Christianised in the 6th century. A highlight is a 12th-century wall painting of Eleanor of Aquitaine and her family, one of the rare images of her. The cave also contains a well dating to Roman times.

• Les Caves Painctes: Take a guided tour of these underground caves, which were used as hiding places during WWII. There is also an art exhibition showcasing the works of French painter, Jean-Luc Pasquier. The tour ends with a tasting of wines from local vineyards.

• Boat Trip On The River Vienne: The company, Compagnie de Navigation, offers boat trips on the River Vienne. They have a choice of three traditional boats, one without a roof for those warm summer days. The trip lasts for up to two hours and goes from Chinon to Anche via the village of Riviere. You will get to see the town of Chinon from a different perspective as well as the surrounding countryside. The chateau looks particularly spectacular from the river. Depending on wind conditions, you may go by sailboat or otherwise, by motorboat.

• Eglise Saint-Jacques: When you first approach this church in the centre of town, you will notice the beautiful carvings and sculptures on the facade. Inside, the stained-glass windows are spectacular. Climb the bell tower for fantastic views of Chinon.

Day Trips From Chinon

• Musee Rabelais: Musee Rabelais is 7 km southwest of Chinon and is a museum dedicated to the French writer, Rabelais. It is set in La Deviniere, the farmhouse he lived in as a child, and which inspired some of his novels. The museum showcases early editions of his work and an original charcoal portrait of Rabelais by Matisse, created in 1951. Take a look in the troglodytic cellars and the winemakers' house and have a stroll in the orchard and vineyard.

• Château D'Azay Le Rideau: The location of this chateau is beautiful. It is on an island on the Indre River 31 km northeast of Chinon. There had been a castle here since the 11th century, but it was destroyed during the Hundred Years War and the present chateau was built in the early 16th century. The main architectural style is Italian Renaissance, but the roof is French Renaissance as are the roofs of the towers. The castle is L-shaped and there is a tower at each corner. You will be impressed with the inside as there are some luxuriously furnished rooms to see which are filled with period furniture, paintings, and tapestries. The highlight is a lavishly decorated staircase facing the courtyard and erected outside as was the fashion of the time.

• Village Of Candes-Saint-Martin: Candes-Saint-Martin is 17 km northwest of Chinon. It is a lovely village with a beautiful old town and, as it is on a hill close to the Vienne River, it has fantastic views. The highlights are the fortified collegiate church and chapel of Saint Martin, built in the Gothic style in the 12th - 13th century. The fortifications, however, were erected in the 15th century. It is a pilgrimage destination to this day and highlights of the church include the stained glass windows telling the story of Saint Martin and the sculptures on the facade. Be sure to also take a look at the troglodyte caves built above the village.

• Fontevraud Abbey: Fontevraud Abbey is 20 km northwest of Chinon and is an impressive complex consisting of a church, cloisters, and the tomb of Richard the Lionheart, built in the 12th century. You can take a guided tour or audio-guided tour, while children can enjoy a treasure hunt. The abbey houses a museum of modern art with over 900 works of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and antiques on show.

• Château De Villandry: Chateau de Villandry is 30 km northeast of Chinon. Although you can tour the chateau which was built in the 16th century, the main reason to visit is to see the magnificent gardens which are on three levels. On the lower level, you will see the amazing vegetable gardens which use vegetables to create beautiful and colourful displays. On the middle level are formal ornamental gardens, and on the upper level are the water gardens. Every year, around 115,000 flowers and vegetables are planted.

• Château De Langeais: This chateau is 26 km northeast of Chinon and is a Renaissance castle built in the 15th century on the instructions of King Louis XI. However, it also has mediaeval elements such as a drawbridge and large towers. You can tour 15 rooms in the chateau which are furnished as they would have been in the 15th century. The gardens are beautiful with ancient cedars and redwood trees.

• Chateau De Montsoreau - Museum Of Contemporary Art: This museum is 18 km northwest of Chinon and is housed in a beautiful Renaissance chateau near to the Loire River. It showcases the largest collection of contemporary conceptual art created by the Art and Language movement.

• Château De Montreuil-Bellay: This chateau, 39 km west of Chinon, was built in the 11th century as a fortress but was developed into a chateau over the next few centuries. You will see different architectural styles throughout. The mediaeval elements include moats, ramparts, underground passages and the kitchen, while the rest of the chateau is in the Renaissance style with a magnificent staircase. The estate produces wine, and you can tour the cellars and have a tasting.

• Tours: The city of Tours is 48 km northeast of Chinon and is well worth a day trip. Enjoy a walk in the old town with its’ mediaeval cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings. There is a magnificent cathedral, a chateau, and many museums to visit, as well as green spaces where you can relax after a busy day’s sightseeing.

• Saumur: The town of Saumur is 32 km northwest of Chinon and, like Tours, has plenty to keep you occupied. There is a magnificent chateau to visit as well as many museums, but the highlights are the cavalry school and the many troglodyte caves in and around Saumur. It is also the place to go if you enjoy sparkling wine as it is the prominent wine produced in the area.

Things To Do With Kids In Chinon

• Saint Benoit Adventure Park: This adventure park is just 10 km northeast of Chinon and is fun for the whole family. It covers 3.5 hectares filled with pine and oak trees and, with a harness, you can move amongst the trees. There are courses for all ages and, as well as rope bridges and nets, there are Tarzan swings, monkey bars, climbing walls, and ziplines.

• Canoeing & Kayaking On The Loire River: CLAN, Chinon Loisirs Activités Nature, is a canoe and kayak rental company in Chinon. They have 30 years of rental experience behind them and will give you safety instructions before you go out on a canoe, kayak or stand-up-paddleboard. In addition, they rent out bicycles and advise which are the best routes on this part of the Loire a Velo route.

• Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine: It is well worth driving the 54 km to this troglodyte zoo in Anjou. There are over 1,900 animals here in natural surroundings, most being endangered species. There are tunnels which take you between the different areas such as The Valley of the Rhinoceros where there are black rhinos, cheetahs, and lions. The animals all have a large space so are not cramped in cages.

• Youpimom Theme Park: Kids will love this theme park which is 50 m northeast of Chinon, near Tours. It is a 2,200 m2 indoor park with many different attractions for them to enjoy. It is specifically geared for children up to the age of 12 who can play laser games, go on treasure hunts, dance in the disco, and ride the small train, among other activities.

• Monument Game: The monument game is an escape game held in the Forteresse Royale de Chinon. Families with children aged nine and above can take part in this exciting game lasting 90 minutes. It can be played with three to 28 players with puzzles needing to be solved. You get to go to parts of the chateau that aren’t open to the public like secret passageways.

           Another activity in the chateau for children is a treasure hunt with the Histopad. The children have to search for eight historical objects in the chateau.

Wineries In And Near Chinon

• Domaine Couly-Dutheil: Domaine Couly-Duthell has been in Chinon since 1921 and specialises in red and rose wines made from Cabernet Franc grapes, although they do also produce a couple of sparkling and white wines. You can book a visit to the winery which includes a tour of the cellars and a tasting of five of their wines. The best times to visit are in September and October when the wine is being made.

• Cave Monplaisir: Cave Monplaisir has been in Chinon since 1987 and produces white, red, and rose wines as well as a brandy. It offers an exciting day tour. You first have a tour of the cellar and then take a 8 km hike around the vineyards. You will be ready for a rest after this so it’s back to the winery for a tasting of five wines accompanied by music. Following this, lunch is served, outside if the weather is good. Finally, you take a trip in a gabare boat on the Vienne.

• Le Cave De La Sibylle: This winery is 15 km east of Chinon in Panzoult and is composed of 15 independent winegrowers who have banded together. It is located in a troglodyte underground cellar with 70 metres of underground galleries. A tour and wine tasting is on offer during which you will get to try the Special Chinon wine which is a deeply flavoured red wine made from the Cabernet Franc grape. It is advisable to book as it is popular.

• Maison Frederic Mabileau: Maison Frederic Mabileau is 18 km north of Chinon and has 35 hectares of vineyards. It produces organic and biodynamic wines from the Cabernet Franc grape. There are different experiences on offer such as a free tasting and a tasting and cellar visit for 10 euros. Splash out and take the Gourmet Getaway where you visit the cellar and then have a meal with wine pairing in their restaurant, Chez Odette. The meal is three courses with a glass of wine at each course. The food changes with the seasons but could include crispy octopus, fennel salad with candied lemon, sweet onion marmalade, and burnt lemon cream.

• Château Du Petit Thouars: This winery is 12 km west of Chinon. It produces organic wine and offers a variety of tours and tastings. Enjoy a tasting of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc or have a picnic in the vines which involves a tour of the vineyards, a picnic, and a cellar visit. Another experience includes a local food market visit, cooking, wine tasting, and lunch at the chateau.

Golf Course Near Chinon

• Golf De Loudun Fontevraud - Domaine De Roiffe: This golf course is at a hotel and is spectacular.It offers an 18-hole course, a compact 6-hole course, a putting green, an approach green, and 40 driving ranges. It covers around 60 hectares, some of which is covered in trees and others that are hilly. There is a family experience on offer where you can all learn golf basics with a certified teacher and finish off with a game of mini golf. The hotel’s restaurant and bar are open to all, with a special menu for golfers and vegetarian options.

Racecourse Near Chinon

• Hippodrome De Grigny: This racecourse is on the outskirts of Chinon and has been going strong since the early part of the 20th century. It has a 1,500-metre grass gallop track and it hosts many famous races such as the Grand Prix du Centre and the Prix de la Loire.

Where To Eat In Chinon

There are plenty of restaurants and bistros to choose from in Chinon whether you want traditional French cuisine or something a little different. Here are a few that we like.

• Bistros L’Ardoise: This bistro offers traditional French food as well as steaks. The food and the service are both excellent. Try either the avocado and smoked salmon brioche as a starter or snails gratinated with blue cheese and thyme. If you want meat, the matured ‘Meat Breed’ prime rib is good. If not, try the tuna carpaccio.

• La Cave Voltaire: La Cave Voltaire is a lovely spot with an excellent choice of local wines and delicious cheese and charcuterie boards for those who want to share but don’t want a proper meal. However, you can choose heartier dishes such as sliced poultry Provencal style and vegetarian chickpeas and heirloom vegetables.

• Cafe Des Arts Chinon: This cafe not only serves a diverse selection of dishes, but it showcases artwork throughout the building. Dishes served include Black Angus beef and duck breast.

Refined Dining

• L’Entrepotes: If you are celebrating a special occasion, this refined restaurant is a great place to go. It uses locally sourced and fresh ingredients as much as possible and their foie gras and poultry dishes are excellent. It is recommended that you book as it is a popular spot.

Foreign Restaurants

• Les Saveurs d’Italie: You don’t only have to eat French food in France. If you want something a little different, try this family-run Italian restaurant which serves antipasti, traditional homemade pizza, and pasta, with a good selection of vegetarian dishes.

• La Bekaa: This is a Lebanese restaurant which serves a reasonably priced menu with mezes. There is a vegetarian mezze with such dishes as falafel, hummus, and baba ghanoush. Meat mezes include sambousek, a fried meat turnover and kebbe, which is bulgar wheat, onion, and beef.

Where To Stay In Chinon

• Hôtel du Château du Rivau: This hotel is located in one of the oldest chateaux in the Loire Valley. It was built in the 15th century, but the seven rooms are an eclectic mix of different centuries. You might find yourself in a medieval-inspired room or a Renaissance-styled bedroom. All, however, are linked by contemporary works of art. The restaurant is inspirational, and the menu is changed throughout the year following the seasons and by what is found in the vegetable gardens. Although the chateau is open to the public, only hotel guests can enjoy the gardens in the evenings when the buildings are also beautifully illuminated.

• Fontevraud L' Ermitage: This four-star hotel is special as it is located within the walls of the Fontevraud Abbey which was built in the 12th century. The 54 rooms, however, are contemporary in design and offer modern comforts such as an ensuite with a shower and complimentary toiletries, a safe, and ironing facilities. A Michelin-starred restaurant on the premises offers sophisticated and modern dishes created by Chef Thibault Fuggen. It is popular so book your meal before you arrive. The hotel has private parking and there is free Wi-Fi throughout.

• Best Western Hotel De France: This hotel is in a beautifully restored 16th-century building in the centre of the mediaeval old town. The rooms are attractively decorated, are large, and have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and free Wi-Fi access. It is three-star.

• Hotel Diderot: This three-star hotel is in an elegant 17th-century building with a courtyard garden. It is just a 10-minute walk from the Forteresse Royale de Chinon. The rooms are all decorated individually and are ensuite. A continental breakfast is served each morning either in the breakfast room or on the terrace in good weather. If you fancy a drink, the hotel has a bar.

• Hotel Rive Sud: This three-star hotel is five minutes walk from the centre of town. The rooms are comfortable and have free Wi-Fi, a TV, a kettle, room service, and a private bathroom. For breakfast, you can have a continental buffet with gluten-free options. There is a bar in the hotel where you can enjoy an evening drink.

Best Time To Visit Chinon

One of the best times to visit Chinon is in the spring when the flowers have started to bloom and the weather is mild, ranging from 10 - 20C. If you prefer it hotter, come in the summer but be prepared for crowds. Spring and autumn are usually quieter and, in the autumn, the vineyards are in harvest so it is a fantastic time for tastings and to see the wine being produced. The winter is cold with temperatures between 3 and 10C and many attractions have reduced hours so it’s not the best time to visit.

Festivals In Chinon

• Spring Fair: The spring fair is a celebration of the end of winter and it takes place in April. There is a flea market, a carnival, and a very unusual contest for the most beautiful beard.

• Chinon In Fanfares: Chinon In Fanfares takes place in May and is an event on the banks of the river with a bar set up for everyone to enjoy. There is also a parade through the town.

• Chinon Classic: This event is a rally for cars and motorbikes in June. There are demonstrations of vintage vehicles, a giant karaoke, concerts and dances.

• July 14th: July 14th is Bastille Day which is celebrated throughout the country. In Chinon, the celebrations include a dance and fireworks.

• Nocturne Gourmande: This celebration takes place in September and is a craft and food market with 40 stands, music, and shows. In the late evening, there is a torchlight procession.