An absolutely excellent idea to visit Chinon, too delightful a town to be missed and really surprised that we have managed to miss it out up to now, given the many weeks, months even we have spent in France over the years.
The sky was cornflower blue when we woke and stayed that way all day. Summer has arrived with a vengeance. No hesitation risking suntop on a day like this.
We took the road north of the Loire to Saumur, the way we came back yesterday so we got a good view across the river to the castle and then a little further along crossed the Loire and came to the River Vienne which Chinon sits on. The drive was about an hour but so pleasant and such lovely weather. We had to cross the Loire to get to the south bank someway past Saumur and this was a really narrow metal girdered bridge which became tricky when a motorhome decided it needed to be right across the line never mind what towards it. A tight squeeze. Along the Vienne we started to see vineyards proper and then more of the mushroom caves built into the
We came to Chinon across a bridge from the south of the river and the view across the water is superb. Towering above the town is the castle which, as well as being high above the town seems to stretch the length of it. We found a parking spot on the road along the river and found the parking machine said parking was free for first two hours so decided to risk any overstay. The northern bank of the river is lined by massive trees which provide a lovely shady walk, on such a hot day.
Chinon is filled with historic buildings, entire streets of centures old wonderful structures, many labelled as hotels and we had to keep turning round to see the view behind as well as in front as we walked along the narrow steets. Above us the castle dominated the view.
There was a very large eating area in the main square as we entered the old town but everywhere looked so very busy that we found a quieter road, which we think was the originall main thoroughfair, and stopped for a slightly odd lunch at a winebar. Veloute. One of white
asparagus, the other mushroom served in the jar it came in but warm and some bread to dip. Could have managed a bit more bread but couldnt quite be bothered to get up to ask for more !
Back to the main square where at the back we had seen signs to the free lift up to the castle. The lift was indeed free but only went halfway up. The rest of the way seemed quite a steep climb given it was 26 degrees at this point And we were up nearer to the sun ?. Blood thinners dont help going up hills either ?.
We paid for the entrance to the castle hopeful of an old age discount but needed to be disabled for that and we are fortunately not ?
There was a rather good exhibition in one of the towers depicting reality and fantasy where genuine artifacts are displayed beside others fabricated for famous films. The views down to the town were the icing on the cake as it were of the castle visit. Superb views across the grey tiled rooftops and in such a miscellany of shapes and sizes. Wonderful. Beyond the rooftops, views
to and across the river. It was well worth that short climb up from the lift and we did have the lift to take up back down again.
Stopped in the main square for a drink. In my case a coffee and icecream concoction which served as both refreshing drink and icecream.
So back along the river, under the lovely shade of the trees and to Smart Arse. We had way exceeded our two hours but no parking ticket so that was OK.
Another pleasant drive back the way we came via Saumur. Sunday tomorrow and a lot of shops shut then so we decided to stop at the local supermarket for a couple of things, mainly liquid ! We stopped at the Cocci market in Brain near the campsite but useless,,, fruit juice only orange, beer selection incredibly limited so we headed for the Super U we had seein when we had first arrived. Ooops petrol only. No problem.
