Staying in Chinon

Posted by happyapple508 on 03/05/22 05:59 AM

I've booked five night staying in Chinon the last week of March and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on their favorite things in the area. We will not have a car but will be renting bikes for the duration of our stay and don't mind a scenic ride out to see some sights. The vibe is relaxation, I'm extending a bussiness trip into a little R&R so think good food, wine, sights to see, favorite shops, even favorite picnic spots! Maybe even must try food you had from the region.

Also if anyone had any suggestions on biking the area I would take those too!

Posted by Simon

Loire Valley

03/05/22 11:00 AM

824 posts

The bike path through Souzay-Champigny is a must (look it up!! :) ) From there Fontevraud is a logical step. There's bike path most of the way.

In March the snakeshead fritilleries will probably be flowering in the bocage around Veron. It's one of the few places in the world you can see them in such numbers in the wild.

If youre into 19th century weird reinterpretation of medieval, the church at Riviere

Posted by Tim

Wyckoff, NJ, USA

03/05/22 02:28 PM

7887 posts

It may be just out of bike range, but the fact that Fontevraud Abbey is a UNESCO WHS testifies to what a nice destination it is. (Much of it is outdoors, but another post here made me wonder about the etiquette issues of six people in dripping bike spandex coming indoors to see Eleanor of Aquitaine's tomb! Nothing personal.)

Chateau Villandry, a major attraction, is a bit farther, the other way. In March, I suppose you should carefully check opening hours and days, before setting off.

Because a public highway runs right beside it, there may be some way to bike and view the Chinon nuclear power plant without triggering a police response (!). I'm mention this because it's so hard to get a clear view of American nuclear plants, not to be mischievous.

Posted by japrilfox

03/06/22 03:59 AM

20 posts

Chinon is a lovely town. Pretty winding streets and plenty of cafes. The Hotel Diderot is the perfect place to stay. There is a royal fortress you can visit. Wineries are nearby. Of course, being in the Loire Valley there are many chateaux to visit including Villandry and Azay-Le-Rideau. The historic towns of Usse and Tours might be close enough to visit, too. You can research tours you can take with personal guides to see some of these sights. Try the company “Tours by Locals” and also, check out the experienced guide that goes by “France with Vero” who lives and guides in Tours and the surrounding areas and you can check her great Facebook or You Tube virtual tours, too. She’s also does tours for Rick Steves.