Chinon & the Loire Valley

At the gateway to the Loire Valley’s treasures

From La Douce France Trianon, discover an exceptional heritage of medieval fortresses, Renaissance châteaux, remarkable gardens and characterful villages, all within easy reach of Chinon.

At the gateway to the Loire Valley’s treasures
6 highlights to discover
1Royal Fortress of Chinon

Royal Fortress of Chinon

History just minutes away

Overlooking the Vienne and the old town, the fortress is inseparable from the history of Chinon. Joan of Arc, Charles VII and the Plantagenets accompany a visit with superb views across the valley.

2Château d’Ussé

Château d’Ussé

A fairytale château

With its towers, terraces and gardens, Ussé has an instantly recognisable silhouette and makes an enchanting heritage stop in the Loire Valley.

3Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Renaissance elegance

Set beside the water, Azay-le-Rideau is one of the Loire Valley’s emblematic Renaissance châteaux and is ideal for an elegant half-day excursion.

4Château du Rivau

Château du Rivau

A château among gardens

More intimate, Le Rivau combines medieval architecture, remarkable gardens, roses and contemporary art in a visit that feels very different from the larger châteaux.

5Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

In the footsteps of the Plantagenets

A monumental abbey associated with Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart, perfectly paired with a visit to Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau.

6Château de Villandry

Château de Villandry

The art of gardens

Villandry is as renowned for its gardens as for its château. Geometric parterres, terraces and long perspectives create one of the Loire Valley’s most photogenic stops.

And all around…

And all around…

The vineyards of Chinon, Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, the banks of the Vienne and Loire, Candes-Saint-Martin, Montsoreau and quiet country roads reveal another side of the region.

A privileged location for discovering the Loire Valley… and returning in the evening to the calm of La Douce France Trianon.

LET'S GO
Default photo credits: Azay-le-Rideau — Michaël Gadsaudes / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Château du Rivau — chat sauvage / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Fontevraud — Abxbay / domaine public — Wikimedia Commons