Exploring Chinon: A Loire Valley Treasure Planning a trip to the Loire Valley? Don’t miss Chinon — one of our favourite wine villages and a place bursting with charm, history, and flavour.
Here’s what makes Chinon worth a detour:
Wines of Character – Chinon is Cabernet Franc country. The red wines are fragrant, fresh, and wonderfully food-friendly. Some of our favourite discoveries for The Other Bordeaux have come from the riverbanks just outside this medieval village such as BAUDRY & DUTOUR . Succulent whites from Chenin Blanc and refreshing Cab Franc rosé are also among the world’s best. Chinon AOP
The Fortress of Chinon – Walk the ramparts of this cliffside château where Joan of Arc met Charles VII. The views over the Vienne River and surrounding vineyards are unforgettable.
Vineyard Adventures – Whether on foot or by bike, the landscape around Chinon is full of picturesque trails through vineyards, forests, and limestone caves where wines quietly age.
Market Day – On Thursdays and Sundays, the village comes alive with a bustling market. Local goat’s cheese, crusty bread, ripe fruit and of course a bottle of Chinon rouge… it’s the perfect picnic waiting to happen.
Food & Wine Heaven – Try local bistros like L’Ardoise Chinon or Les Années 30 for rustic dishes made with local ingredients, best paired with a glass of what the region does best.
Where to Stay – Make a weekend of it:• Hôtel Diderot – A charming 17th-century townhouse with beautiful breakfast spreads (including house-made jams).
• Château de Marcay – A romantic countryside château just outside Chinon with its own vineyard and fine dining.
• La Maison Rouge – A warm, wine-loving B&B right in the heart of the old town.
Canoe on the Vienne – For a different view of the vineyards, rent a canoe and glide past fairytale villages and weeping willows along the water.⸻
Have you been to Chinon? Share your favourite memories below! And if you’re dreaming of Loire Valley reds, we’ve got some beauties arriving soon… 
