Chinon

It was in the Château de Chinon that Joan of Arc first recognized the disguised dauphin (later Charles VII) in 1429 and persuaded him to give her an army in order to drive the English out of France. Before that, Chinon was the Plantagenet kings' favorite castle. Although the castle is now mostly in ruins, you do get an impressive view from the opposite bank of the Vienne River. Of particular note is Rue Voltaire, which is lined with picturesque 15th and 16th century houses. It is in No. 44 that Richard the Lion-Heart is supposed to have died. The August medieval market is Chinon's most colorful pageant: the town is taken over by minstrels, strolling players, fire-eaters and jugglers.