Chinon Attractions 
Chinon (pop. 8,712) lies on the right bank of the Vienne, with its ruined castle looming over it on a ridge of hill which was already fortified in Roman times. The most important event in the history of Chinon was the meeting between Charles VII and Joan of Arc on March 9 1429 which marked the beginning of the reconquest of French territory from the English.
François Rabelais (1494-1553) was born near Chinon and spent his childhood here.
In the atomic reactor of Avoine-Chinon (now closed down), 11km/7mi northwest of Chinon, is France's first Atomic Museum.
François Rabelais (1494-1553) was born near Chinon and spent his childhood here.
In the atomic reactor of Avoine-Chinon (now closed down), 11km/7mi northwest of Chinon, is France's first Atomic Museum.
Joan of Arc Museum
The castle ward contains three separate strongholds - from east to west Fort St-Georges, the Château du Milieu and the Château du Coudray - with moats between them. It is entered under a 35 m/115ft high clock tower which houses a Joan of Arc Museum.
Hours
April 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
October 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Old Town
The old part of Chinon lies between the castle and the river. Particularly worth seeing is Rue Voltaire with its 15th and 16th C. houses. In the main square, the Place du Grand Carroi, is the House of the States General. The church of St-Maurice is 12th C., St-Etienne 15th C. There is an interesting museum of local history, the Musée du Vieux Chinon.
