Chinon, Medieval fortress town in Loire Valley, France
Chinon is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in the Loire Valley, where a medieval fortress rises above the Vienne River. The historic center spreads at the foot of the castle walls, with narrow streets and half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries.
King Henry II of England made the fortress his residence in the 12th century and died here in 1189. In 1429, Joan of Arc met Dauphin Charles VII in the castle and persuaded him to travel to Reims for his coronation.
The town name comes from the Celtic word for rock, reflecting the position on a limestone plateau. People still live in troglodyte homes along the river, and many cellars store local wine.
The medieval town center sits between the riverbank and the castle walls, where shops and restaurants line Rue Voltaire. Weekly markets take place on Place Jeanne d'Arc, and most sights are within walking distance.
The vineyards around the town grow mainly Cabernet Franc, a grape variety cultivated here since the Middle Ages. Many wine cellars along the riverbank are carved into limestone and stay cool all year round.
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