Musée de Chinon

The Musée de Chinon, also called Le Carroi, occupies the Maison des États Généraux, a house of the fifteenth century in the old town of Chinon, on the street that climbs from the river toward the castle. The name recalls a meeting of the Estates General held in the town in 1428, during the reign of Charles VII, when Chinon was effectively the capital of the part of France that remained loyal to the king. The building, with its timber frame and stone, is one of the finest examples of civil architecture of the late Middle Ages in the town, and the museum makes an excellent introduction to the history of Chinon and its region.

The collection is wide in scope, with objects that stretch from prehistoric times to the present day. It includes archaeological finds from the area, medieval sculpture, paintings, furniture and objects of everyday life, and reflects the long history of the town as a place of power and trade on the Vienne river. Chinon was a favourite residence of the Plantagenet kings, and in 1429 Joan of Arc came here to meet Charles VII, so the story told in the museum links to the events visible at the castle on the ridge above. A notable item is the Cape of Saint Mexme, a rare medieval textile of Eastern origin, which attests to the trading contacts of the region and is tied to the old church of Saint-Mexme in the town.

The museum also runs temporary exhibitions through the year, with themes that have included fabulous animals and the anniversary of the birth of Louis XI, who was born in 1423, and an annual exhibition of fine art. The programme changes, so check what is on. The museum holds the Accueil Vélo label, which means that it welcomes cyclists travelling on the Loire à Vélo cycle route, and the town is a popular stop on that itinerary. The museum has been closed at times, so confirm that it is open before you go. It usually opens in the morning.

The visit is short, about an hour, and quiet, a good complement to the busy castle. The old town around it, Vieux Chinon, has lanes of tuffeau stone houses with timber frames and a statue of the writer François Rabelais, who was born in the area. Many of the town's wine cellars, the Caves de Chinon, are open for tastings.

The museum suits history lovers, cyclists and visitors who want to understand the town beyond its castle. The Collégiale Saint-Mexme, the Musée de la Résistance and the riverside are close.