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Chinon |
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Chinon
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| Administration | |
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| Country | France |
| Region | Centre |
| Department | Indre-et-Loire |
| Arrondissement | Chinon |
| Canton | Chinon |
| Mayor | Jean-Pierre Duvergne (2006–2008) |
| Statistics | |
| Elevation | 27–112 m (89–367 ft) (avg. 37 m/121 ft) |
| Land area1 | 39.02 km2 (15.07 sq mi) |
| Population2 | 8,256 (2006) |
| - Density | 212 /km2 (550 /sq mi) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 37072/ 37500 |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
| 2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Chinon is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France well known for Château de Chinon.
In the Middle Ages, Chinon developed especially during the reign of Henry II (Henry Plantagenêt, Count of Anjou, crowned King of England in 1154). The castle was rebuilt and extended, becoming one of his favorite residences. It was where court was frequently held during the Angevin Empire.
Chinon was included in the French royal estates in 1205. It was during the Hundred Years' War that the town took on a new lease of life, as the heir apparent, the future Charles VII of France, had sought refuge in 1418 in the province. The town remained faithful to him and he made lengthy stays at his court in Chinon. In 1429, Joan of Arc came here to acknowledge him.
From the sixteenth century, Chinon was no longer a royal residence.
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Chinon is located in the heart of the Val de Loire area, within the Vallée de la Vienne (Vienne River valley). It is situated on the banks of the Vienne River.
Carved into the banks of the Vienne River, and open to public visits, are the caves, or wine cellars, for Chinon's well-known Cabernet Franc-based red wines.