Even more than in previous years, in 2025 Chinon and its region will be the place to be! With a very rich program of cultural, sporting and gastronomic events. Here are some of the most significant events of this 2025 season:
– The Winegrowers in the city, April 26, 2025. As its name suggests, the winegrowers invest the city for a day dedicated to celebrating the wines of Chinon. Thus, around 70 winegrowers come to present their new vintage. A perfect opportunity to taste (in moderation) these new vintages but also to taste the magnificent local products (fouées, goat cheese, truffles, saffron, etc.)
The Saumur Horse Festival in May (dates to be confirmed): This equestrian art festival takes place every two years. The program includes an equestrian parade in the town of Saumur, a reconstruction of a 17th-18th century village in the courtyard of the royal castle, a discovery of local products, children’s activities, and equestrian shows.
– Museum Night, May 17, 2025: As throughout France, most of the region’s museums will offer free tours, lectures, and meetings on this day to introduce as many people as possible to the exceptional richness of the local heritage.
– “Chinon en Jazz” Festival, June 4-8, 2025: a very family-friendly festival with a very eclectic program that takes place in various venues in Chinon, often outdoors. What’s more, all concerts are free! Info: https://chinonenjazz.com/
– The Aucard Festival, from June 10th to 14th, 2025, on the Plaine de la Gloriette in Tours. This festival, founded in 1986, showcases young artists. Program and information: https://aucard-tours.com/
– The Fête de la Musique, on June 21st, 2025: As throughout France (and now in many countries in Europe and around the world), music will be celebrated in Chinon, Tours, Saumur, or any small village in the region.
– The Chinon Classic from June 20 to 22, 2025. One of the largest gatherings of vintage cars in France, and with a notable feature: a city circuit that allows you to see very beautiful historic models driving (and smoking!), as part of the Grand Prix de Tours (historic car race relocated to Chinon for a few years). Free entry. Info: https://chinonclassic.com/chinon-classic-2023-2/
– The Zone Groove Festival in Avoine from July 4 to 6, 2025: a popular and family festival in a very warm atmosphere. With a very nice lineup this year: Kool of the gang, Ben Mazué, The Avener, Deluxe, Jérémy Frérot, 47Ter, Joseph Kamel. Info and reservation: https://www.avoinezonegroove.fr/
– The Terre du Son Festival, at the Château de Candé from July 11 to 13, 2025; A festival that is becoming more and more popular. A very rich program in 2025 with, among others, Damso, Lamomali, Philippe Katherine… All the programming, information and reservations on the site https://www.terresduson.com/
– Departure City of the Men’s Tour de France on July 13, 2025: Perhaps the highlight of this 2025 season: on July 13, the city of Chinon will host the biggest cycling race in the world since the 9th stage of the 2025 Tour de France will leave from Chinon to take the riders to Chateauroux.
– National Day, July 14, 2025: Fireworks and public dances
– Women’s Tour de France passes through on July 29, 2025: The riders of the Women’s Tour de France will set off from Saumur on July 29 for Stage 4. This stage, which will take the peloton to Poitiers, will pass through Chinon.
– The Medieval Days of Chinon, from August 3 to 5, 2025. During these days, Chinon immerses itself in its glorious past of the Middle Ages (when the city was twice the capital, first of the Kingdom of France and then of the Kingdom of England). The whole city goes medieval (you will come across many inhabitants dressed as in the Middle Ages), with the large medieval market where you can taste the many local products (Chinon wines, goat cheeses, truffles, etc.), but also the royal fortress where you can watch jousts or demonstrations of war machines from the time… Days always very popular with families and children.
– The Nights of Lights in Chinon, from August 13th to 15th. For 3 nights, the Chinon quays are illuminated, with entertainment and street performances (clowns, theater, circus, etc.) under the avenue of immense plane trees along the Vienne. A family and poetic atmosphere, but also a gastronomic and oenological one! Info: https://gustaveeiffel.com/nuit-des-lumieres-a-chinon-2/
– The Jazz en Touraine Festival, in Montlouis. An unmissable event on the French and international jazz scene, in the second half of September (dates to be confirmed). Info and tickets: https://www.jazzentouraine.com/
– “Voyages en guitare” Festival in Chinon on September 20th and 21st, 2025: like every year, this festival offers concerts by guitarists (and others) from all over the world, always of a very high standard. Free. – European Heritage Days on September 20 and 21, 2025. This year, architectural heritage will be highlighted during the weekend. A great opportunity to (re)discover the treasures of Touraine.
– The BAR Festival (Blues d’Automne en Rabelaisie) 2025 (Mid-September dates to be confirmed). A festival on a human scale dedicated to the blues in a festive and family atmosphere. Info: https://www.festival-bar.fr/le-festival/
And many other events, to be discovered on the following websites:
https://37.agendaculturel.fr/festival/,