- Chinon
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For other uses, see Chinon (disambiguation).
Chinon
ChinonAdministration 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. Coordinates: 47°10′04″N 0°14′37″E / 47.1677777778°N 0.243611111111°E
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.
Contents
Geography
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.
Wine
Main article: Chinon wineCarved 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.
Notable people
- François Rabelais, (c. 1493-1553), was a major French Renaissance writer, doctor and humanist
- Paul Lelaud, Member of The French Resistance, My Story- Spy Smuggler
Media
- Chinon Castle in 1183 is the setting for the play and film The Lion in Winter.
See also
- French wine
- Chinon Parchment - The Chinon Parchment is a historical document, published by Étienne Baluze in Vitae Paparum Avenionensis ("Lives of the Popes of Avignon"), Paris, 1693.
References
External links
- Ministry of Culture database entries for Chinon (French)
- A video review of some Chinon wines
- Information on the echo from Chinon Château
Categories:- Communes of Indre-et-Loire
- Subprefectures in France
- Official historical monuments of France
- Indre-et-Loire
- Indre-et-Loire geography stubs
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