Summer has arrived in Touraine, and this year again we won’t be bored!
We have selected a few activities and events for you in and around Chinon. This is a limited and personal selection but there are many more!
Picnics at the Château de l'Islette:
This summer like last year, the Château de l’Islette opens its lawns to you every Friday evening to set up your checkered tablecloth for a picnic (to bring or buy on site), while attending a concert by very good jazz. Family and festive atmosphere in the magnificent setting of the park of this beautiful place. Admission at the normal price, without supplement. Information on the Château de l’Islette website Château de l’Islette (chateaudelislette.fr)
The Apé’Rivau of the Château du Rivau:
This year, the Château du Rivau is innovating by also opening its doors in the evening. On July 20, August 3 and August 17, you will be able to attend concerts in the heart of the “remarkable gardens” of Rivau, while picnicking there. Picnic basket to bring or to buy on site (at the restaurant of La table des fées). The castle and the gardens will remain open throughout these 3 exceptional evenings. Information: Château de la Loire et ses jardins de contes de fées – Château du Rivau (chateaudurivau.com)
The musical nights of Fontevraud:
Like every year, Fontevraud Abbey is switching to summer time! This year, it invites you to discover its new exhibition “Rembrandt en eau forte” while enjoying a baroque music concert: on July 10 and 24, and August 7 and 14, 4 exceptional concerts will therefore accompany your journey in this unique place that is the Modern Art Museum of Fontevraud. Also to be discovered absolutely: the new art trail, within the Abbey itself, until September 17th. Informations : Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud – L’émotion est dans l’inattendu
"Les étoiles de Fontevraud"
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting an abbey at night, then head to Fontevraud this summer! This summer like last year, the Abbey of Fontevraud renews its magnificent animation “Les étoiles de Fontevraud” (the stars of Fontevraud). Between July 18 and August 27, discover the fantastic Abbey of Fontevraud differently! At nightfall (from 9.30 p.m. to midnight), the abbey is the scene of an astonishing staging based on light effects, sound effects and video projections. It is the work of Bruno Seillier, artist and director specializing in the scenography of major historical monuments. He has staged the Eiffel Tower, the Hotel des Invalides and Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, among others… Reservations on the Fontevraud Abbey website Les Étoiles de Fontevraud | Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud
The equestrian jousting at the Château du Rivau:
The Château du Rivau is once again renewing its “equestrian and mediaval jousts” this year. A good opportunity to discover the castle and its superb gardens and to attend real equestrian contests as they were practiced in the Middle Ages. For young and old, August 12 and 13. Information: Château de la Loire et ses jardins de contes de fées – Château du Rivau (chateaudurivau.com)
The Medieval Days of Chinon:
An event not to be missed if you are in Chinon between August 6th and 10th. The whole city takes a leap back in time to relive these 5 days like in the Middle Ages! You will come across knights, lords, artisans of traditional trades, musicians, jugglers… A festive and friendly atmosphere maintained by the active participation of the entire Chinon population who dons their medieval clothes for the occasion. Information: Les Médiévales de Chinon à CHINON – Fêtes et manifestations (touraineloirevalley.com)
"Les soirées d'Azay"
From July 12 to August 26, every week from Wednesday to Saturday, the castle of Azay-le-Rideau opens its doors to you for a night visit, between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. This is a real immersion in the daily life of the castle at different times in its history through a multisensory visit. Offered in the evening, the tour combines sight, smell and hearing and allows you to discover the way of life of the inhabitants of the castle from the Renaissance to the 19th century thanks to the solicitation of these three senses. Based on sources from archival collections, this route offers a visit experience that is as close as possible to historical reality. Information: Bienvenue au château d’Azay-le-Rideau
This is just a very small sample of the activities in our territory this summer. To find out more:
Office de Tourisme Azay-Chinon Val de Loire (azay-chinon-valdeloire.com) Agenda – Mairie de Chinon (ville-chinon.com)https://www.azay-chinon-valdeloire.com/