The Random Walk - Travel - France - Loire Valley

The castle of Chinon, a medieval fortress built largely by Henry Plantegenet, sits above the town proper on a wide cliff. Viewed from across the river Vienne, its battlements and ruined towers dominate the town below. As you walk the cobblestone streets of the town, and look at the ancient half-timbered houses, you can easily visualize France of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Chateau Chinon seen from across the Vienne

Walking up the narrow streets with the castle looming overhead, you can imagine the Hundred Year's War. It was then that Joan of Arc went to Chinon castle and recognized the young dauphin, later Charles VII, in a crowd of people, even though she had never seen him before. She threw her support behind the dauphin, and Charles eventually re-conquered much of his kingdom.

One of Chinon's narrow streets

Chinon is a delightful place to explore, or just spend some time. There are two large cafés bordering the central square, and when the weather is nice, they put tables out in the open air in the square itself. It is a wonderful place to have an apéritif and watch the people of the town.

There are several good restaurants in Chinon, and caves where you can buy the excellent red wines of the Chinon region. This is the birthplace of Rabelais, so expect to eat and drink well. Any trip to the Loire Valley should include a stop in this historic place.