The Loire Valley
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Loire Valley - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
3 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Château de la Grille
For an introduction to Chinon's distinctive wines, you couldn't find a more poetic spot than this stately Renaissance-style chateau set amid acres of rolling vineyards. Taste the wines among the oak barrels in the cellars (no reservation needed) or stay a little longer for a tour of the vineyards and vinification plant as well as an introduction to how the wines are made before a more thorough tasting (by reservation, €6). Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds along a marked path on their own.
Route de Huismes, Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire, 37500, France02–47–93–01–95 -
2. Forteresse de Chinon
This vast fortress dates to the time of Henry II of England, who died within its 400-yard long walls in 1189; another historic event occurred in 1429, when Joan of Arc recognized the disguised dauphin (later Charles VII) here. Long years of neglect, however, eventually left the fortress little more than a ruin, completely open to the elements. The good news is that sweeping restoration work has returned its majestic rooftop, ramparts, and towers to their former glory. A visitor center now welcomes guests a few steps from the glass elevator that provides direct access from the center of Chinon's Old Town. You can tour the Logis Royal (Royal Chambers), a section of which has been transformed into an interactive museum dedicated to Joan of Arc. For a bird's-eye look at the landscape, climb the Tour Coudray (Coudray Tower), where in 1307 leading members of the crusading Knights Templar were imprisoned before being taken to Paris, tried, and burned at the stake. The Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), whose bell has sounded the hours since 1399, has a view over the ensemble of buildings; while the ramparts offer sensational ones over Chinon, the Vienne Valley, and (toward the back of the castle) the famous Le Clos de l'Echo vineyard. A salon de thé is open on the terrace from May through September.
Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire, 37500, France02–47–93–13–45Sight Details
Rate Includes: €10.50 -
3. Rue Haute St-Maurice
Once you've visited the castle, recharge your camera batteries and head for the medieval heart of town, Rue Haute St-Maurice. Block after block of storybook half-timber houses make this street a virtual open-air museum that catapults you back to the days of Rabelais. It's also home to one actual museum—the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire at No. 44, which is devoted to the arts and crafts of Chinon and surrounding area from prehistory to the 19th century.
Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire, 37500, FranceSight Details
Rate Includes: Museum €4, Museum closed mid-Nov.–Mar., Tues. in May–mid-Sept., and Mon.–Thurs. in Apr. and mid-Sept.–mid-Nov. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
