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The Clock Tower is the emblematic gateway to the Château du Milieu, which it defended in the Middle Ages with a drawbridge and portcullis. These defensive elements have now disappeared. Slender and slender, it rises over five levels and is crowned by a patrol path.

A must-see: the Happy-culteurs of Champigny sur Veude (the station).

Magnificent view

Private castle built in the 16th century on 15th century foundations.

Seen from the outside, this little church doesn't look like much, and you have to go through the front door to discover this hidden gem. Its walls, entirely covered with decorations and motifs painted during several campaigns over the centuries, restore the original appearance of Romanesque churches with a state of conservation that is quite rare in France. The Notre-Dame de Rivière church was built between the 10th and 11th centuries. Legend has it that Saint Martin founded the early church on a site already devoted to prayer. Today, it has a choir, a crypt and recumbent figures dating from the 16th century, as well as remarkable exterior sculptures. But it is above all the 11th century frescoes, recently restored, which add to the historical richness of this building. Legend has it that Joan of Arc passed there, but this is not corroborated by any contemporary testimony, however Charles VII made a pilgrimage there.

The Château des Brétignolles is one of the rare castles in the Loire in the Gothic style, characteristic of 15th century architecture. It is only visible from the entrance gate on the main road to Chinon, but the small roads which go around its park are, on the contrary, very peaceful.

Integrated into the landscape of the Châteaux du Val de Loire, the Château du Rivau is a medieval fortress built in the 15th century from foundations dating back to the 13th century. Le Rivau is renowned for its stables from the 15th century when they were still only made of wood. Knowing its reputation for its steeds, Joan of Arc stopped at Rivau and came to look for combat horses in 1429 before joining the siege of Orléans. But the castle is especially famous for its gardens (labeled “Remarkable Garden”) evoking legendary tales and stories. Hidden behind a tree-lined enclosure, it is partially visible from this side of the road.

The best view of the town of Chinon and its royal fortress. The adjoining park with its tavern can be a wonderful place for a break.