Chinon

Large medieval fortress, Chinon was built by the count of Blois, Thibalt the third. Henri II Plantagenet, Richard the Lionhearted, John Lackland...They were the first famous guests of this place. Philippe August took the fortress back from the Plantagenet family and added a keep (donjon du Coudray). Ladies also influenced the history of the Chateau, Alienor of Aquitaine and above all, Joan of Ark who in 1429, met in the Reception room, the Dauphin, later Charles VIIth. In this Chateau, a fine example of the medieval military defence system, we will suggest a tour on the theme of everyday life at that period of time.
Beautiful panorama of the city and Vienne River Valley, then you will walk down towards the medieval city along the "Rue Jeanne d'Arc", up to the "Grand Carroi", crossroad of the two main axes of the medieval town. Discover the "rue Voltaire", lined with remarkable timber framed houses with, in particular, the "Maison Rouge" (XIVth and XVth centuries); the States General house where Charles VII gathered the Kingdom's leaders in 1428 to decide of a war against the English; a little bit further, the "rue Haute Saint-Maurice" with lovely private mansions including the Governor's residence showing a beautiful double stairway; the "Baillaige palace", and the "Saint-Maurice" church with a Romanesque chancel. "Place Victoire" along the "rue Voltaire", to evoke the famous "Caves Painctes" so dear to Rabelais ‘heart.