Chinon in the Loire Valley

 

The historic town of Chinon sits on the banks of the mighty Vienne river. The ancient château here, which has been heavily restored, was the preferred residence of Henry II, one of the English Plantagenet kings who ruled from here and his wife Aliénor d'Aquitaine. Henry II died here in 1189 and their son, Richard 'The Lionheart' was born here.

In 1429 Joan of Arc came to Chinon to meet the Dauphin Charles VII, she succeeded in inspiring him to reclaim his kingdom, after which Chinon became his capital and enjoyed a long period of prosperity.

      

The winding streets of the town make for great walks. The timber houses date back to the fifteenth century and give you a taste of its history .

  

 It is a town well worth a visit to browse the many shops or to have lunch at one of its fine restaurants.