Chinon Heritage Days Program

GUIDED TOUR “SECRETS OF THE FORTIFIED TOWN”

On Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM and 4 PM, a guided tour will take you through the medieval town center, under the fortress. You’ll also have access to private courtyards. Please note that the capacity is limited, and reservations are mandatory through the Tourist Office at 02 47 93 17 85.

ROYAL FORTRESS

On Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:30 AM to 7 PM, the Royal Fortress of Chinon’s park will be transformed into a 19th-century white mulberry nursery (2023). Quick guided tours (30 minutes) will be held from 10 AM to 6 PM. You can also opt for a tour with the Histopad to discover eight transformed or vanished rooms. The fee is €5. For more information, visit www.forteressechinon.fr or call 02 47 93 13 45.

BOULE DE FORT SOCIETY – CERCLE DU BON ACCORD

On Saturdays, from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sundays, from 11 AM to 7 PM, you’ll have the opportunity to discover and try your hand at boule de fort, a traditional game of the Loire region. You can also meet Hervé Schmalz, a figurative painter with a strong interest in the world of sports, especially boule de fort. The artist will exhibit and create works on-site.

PLOUZEAU CAVES

On Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 7 PM, you can explore the caves located beneath the Chinon fortress, which were once used as quarries for its construction. A guided tour and a tasting are offered. Check www.plouzeou.com or call 02 47 93 32 11 for more information.

HOTEL BODARD DE LAJACOPIÈRE

On Friday, from 7 PM to 9 PM, there will be a conference on the heritage study of the House of Estates General (Carroëmusée) by Atelier 27, the Muro dell’Arte Conservatory, and Julien Noblet. The Hotel Bodard de la Jacopière, constructed from the 14th to the 17th century, will also be open to the public for you to explore its history and the restoration work carried out by the Hôtel Bodard Association. You can try your hand at architectural archaeology, witness stone and slate cutting demonstrations, and engage in a scavenger hunt. For more information, visit the website www.bodard.eu.

NEO-GOTHIC TOWER

On Sunday, from 2 PM to 7 PM, discover this unique 19th-century house adorned with rich sculptures. Reservations are required; contact 06 44 81 73 55.

SAINT-MAURICE CHURCH

On Saturdays, from 2 PM to 7 PM, and Sundays, from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2 PM to 7 PM, you can visit Saint-Maurice Church. It is an exemplary structure showcasing the evolution of Gothic architecture in Touraine, with historiated Angevin vaults from the 13th century to the flamboyant style of the early 16th century.

LE CARROI, MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORY

On Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 7 PM, Le Carroi, a museum of art and history, opens its doors for European Heritage Days. Take advantage of this visit to explore the museum’s collections. For more information, call 02 47 58 09 05 or visit www.museelecarroi.fr.

LE RABELAIS CINEMA

On Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 AM to 1 PM, you can take a tour of the projection booth at the Le Rabelais Cinema. For more information, visit cinemalechinon.com.

SAINT-ÉTIENNE CHURCH

On Saturdays and Sundays, you can visit Saint-Étienne Church, a flamboyant Gothic-style church from the 15th century. Inside, you’ll find 19th-century stained glass windows from the Lobin workshop illustrating key religious episodes in Chinon’s history.

FORMER AUGUSTINIAN CONVENT (SUB-PREFECTURE)

On Saturday at 10:30 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM, you have the opportunity to visit the former cloister, attic, and reception room of the sub-prefecture. Please bring identification or a passport for entry into the sub-prefecture. You can reserve a spot at 02 47 93 17 85 through the Tourist Office.

SAINT-MEXME COLLEGIATE CHURCH

On Saturdays, from 2 PM to 7 PM, and Sundays, from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2 PM to 7 PM, you can explore the Saint-Mexme Collegiate Church with its western facade dating from the 11th century. Inside, you’ll find Romanesque sculptures from the 11th century, murals, and contemporary stained glass by Olivier Debré. You can also explore Jeanne Cardinal’s installation titled “The Burning Fish.” Concerts take place in the small wooden theater under the nave.

SAINT-RADEGONDE CHAPEL AND RESIDENTIAL CAVES

On Saturdays, from 2 PM to 7 PM, and Sundays, from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM, you can explore the semi-troglodyte Saint-Radegonde Chapel with its murals, including the famous 12th-century “Royal Hunt.” A discovery of the residential caves around the chapel is also available.

CHINONAIS OBSERVATORY

On Saturdays and Sundays, from 2 PM to 9 PM, in the midst of vineyards, the observatory managed by the “Astronomy in Chinonais” association offers tours of its facilities. For more information, visit astrochinon.fr.

Subject to changes and modifications. Please do not hesitate to contact the provided numbers, emails, and verify the mentioned websites if possible.