Chinon Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Chinon
Country	France
Region	Centre-Val de Loire
Department	Indre-et-Loire
Arrondissement	Chinon
Canton	Chinon
Intercommunality	Communauté de communes de Rivière - Chinon - Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt
Area ¹	39.02 km² (15.07 sq mi)
Population (1999)	8,716
• Density	223.37/km² (578.53/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code	37072 /37500
Elevation	27–112 m (89–367 ft) (avg. 37 m or 121 ft)
¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Chinon is a charming town in the Indre-et-Loire area of France. It's known for its rich history, beautiful castle, and delicious wines. This town is located in the western part of France, in a region called the Loire Valley.

Where is Chinon?
A Glimpse into Chinon's History
- The Royal Fortress of Chinon
- Joan of Arc and Chinon
Chinon's Famous Wine
Life in Chinon Today
Images for kids
See also

Where is Chinon?

Chinon is found in the Vallée de la Vienne, which means the Vienne River valley. The town sits right on the banks of the Vienne River. This river flows through the town, adding to its scenic beauty. Chinon is located at about 47 degrees North latitude and 0 degrees East longitude.

A Glimpse into Chinon's History

Chinon has a very long and interesting history. People have lived here for thousands of years. It was an important place even in Roman times.

The Royal Fortress of Chinon

One of the most famous landmarks in Chinon is its large castle, known as the Royal Fortress of Chinon. This castle is actually made up of three separate castles built over many years. It sits high on a rock overlooking the Vienne River.

Château de Saint-Georges: This part was built by Henry II of England.
Château du Milieu: This is the central part of the fortress. It has the famous Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge).
Fort Saint-André: This section protected the fortress from attacks from the north.

Many important events in French history happened at Chinon Castle.

Joan of Arc and Chinon

Chinon is especially famous for its connection to Joan of Arc. In 1429, during the Hundred Years' War, a young peasant girl named Joan arrived at Chinon. She wanted to meet the future King of France, Charles VII.

Joan told Charles that she had been sent by God to help France win the war against England. Charles was unsure at first, but Joan convinced him. She helped lead the French army to important victories, including the lifting of the Siege of Orléans. This meeting at Chinon Castle is a very important moment in French history.

Chinon's Famous Wine

The area around Chinon is well-known for its vineyards and wine production. The wines from Chinon are mostly red wines, made from the Cabernet Franc grape. They are often enjoyed with local food.

Life in Chinon Today

Today, Chinon is a lively town that welcomes many visitors. People come to explore the historic castle, walk along the river, and enjoy the local food and wine. The town has a population of about 8,716 people. It's a great place to learn about French history and culture.