Chinon is a lovely town in the Loire Valley. The main reason for visiting is visible for miles – a huge castle that sprawls above the town, the lower walls of which are surrounded by a selection of al fresco restaurants. Car hire from Chinon is recommended for sightseeing further afield, as the town itself is small, but don't think there aren't plenty of sights. The centre is full of medieval timber houses, ancient churches and there is also a quarry which was once covered in Neolithic cave paintings. Hiring a car is also a great way to explore the entire Loire Valley as the public transport can be limited.
Saumur is known as the ‘Pearl of Anjou' due to its impressive château and is also the home of the legendary Cadre Noir, the French cavalry. Saumur is no more than forty minutes away by car, so hiring a car from Chinon is likely the easiest way to explore the city. Alternatively, you can make the one hour trip to Doué-la-Fontaine, a now abandoned town that was made up of caves and houses carved from the chalk plateau, which visitors are free to explore. There are also some lovely scenic gardens - great for a picnic!
