# Chinon > French commune in Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire **Wikidata**: [Q194138](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q194138) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinon) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chinon ## Summary Chinon is a French commune located in the department of Indre-et-Loire within the administrative region of Centre-Val de Loire. It is known for its historical landmarks, including Chinon Castle and the Chapelle Sainte-Radegonde, and serves as a cultural and historical hub in the Loire Valley. ## Key Facts - **Aliases**: Chinon-sur-Vienne - **Country**: France - **Region**: Centre-Val de Loire - **Department**: Indre-et-Loire - **Arrondissement**: Chinon - **Canton**: Chinon (established March 22, 2015) - **Population (recent estimates)**: 7,735 to 8,716 - **Coordinates**: Latitude 47.166944, Longitude 0.242778 - **Website**: [ville-chinon.com](https://www.ville-chinon.com/) - **Notable Landmarks**: - Chinon Castle - Chapelle Sainte-Radegonde de Chinon - Gare de Chinon (railway station) - **Wikipedia Title**: Chinon - **Wikidata Description**: French commune in Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire - **Sitelink Count**: 69 ## FAQs **What is Chinon?** Chinon is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. It is known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and cultural heritage. **Where is Chinon located?** Chinon is located in the Loire Valley, within the administrative region of Centre-Val de Loire, in the department of Indre-et-Loire. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 47.1669°N and 0.2428°E. **What are some notable landmarks in Chinon?** Chinon is home to several historical landmarks, including Chinon Castle, the Chapelle Sainte-Radegonde de Chinon, and the Gare de Chinon railway station. **What is the population of Chinon?** Population estimates for Chinon range from approximately 7,735 to 8,716, based on recent data. **What administrative divisions is Chinon part of?** Chinon is part of the arrondissement of Chinon, the canton of Chinon (established in 2015), and the department of Indre-et-Loire within the Centre-Val de Loire region. ## Why It Matters Chinon holds historical and cultural significance as a medieval town in the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It played a pivotal role in French history, particularly during the Middle Ages, as the seat of regional power and a strategic fortress. The town's preserved architecture, including the iconic Chinon Castle, attracts historians, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts. Its continued preservation and promotion of heritage contribute to the cultural identity of the Loire Valley and France as a whole. ## Notable For - **Historical Significance**: Site of key medieval events, including associations with French royalty and Joan of Arc. - **Chinon Castle**: A major historical fortress and tourist attraction. - **Chapelle Sainte-Radegonde**: A notable religious and architectural landmark. - **Cultural Tourism**: A destination in the Loire Valley, known for its scenic beauty and historical sites. - **Administrative Role**: Hosts the arrondissement and canton of Chinon, serving as a local government hub. - **Transportation Access**: Served by Gare de Chinon, connecting it to regional rail networks. ## Body ### Geography and Location Chinon is situated in the heart of the Loire Valley in west-central France. It lies within the department of Indre-et-Loire, part of the Centre-Val de Loire administrative region. The town is positioned at approximately 47.1669°N latitude and 0.2428°E longitude. Its location along the Vienne River has historically contributed to its strategic importance. ### Administrative Structure As a commune of France, Chinon is part of the country's municipal territorial subdivision system. It belongs to: - **Arrondissement of Chinon**: An administrative district within Indre-et-Loire. - **Canton of Chinon**: Established on March 22, 2015, as part of France's administrative reforms. - **Department of Indre-et-Loire**: Created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. - **Region of Centre-Val de Loire**: Officially founded on June 4, 1960. ### Demographics Population data for Chinon varies slightly across sources, with recent figures ranging from 7,735 to 8,716. The town has maintained a relatively stable population over the past decades, reflecting its role as a mid-sized historical commune in rural France. ### Historical and Cultural Landmarks #### Chinon Castle Chinon Castle is one of the town's most iconic structures. It has served as a royal fortress and played a role in medieval French history, including associations with Henry II of England and Joan of Arc. #### Chapelle Sainte-Radegonde de Chinon This chapel is a significant religious and architectural site in Chinon, representing centuries of regional heritage and religious tradition. #### Gare de Chinon The local railway station connects Chinon to broader regional transportation networks, facilitating access for tourists and residents alike. ### Governance and Local Administration Chinon functions under the French municipal system, with a mayor and municipal council overseeing local governance. It is part of the decentralized administrative structure of France, operating under national laws while maintaining local autonomy. ### Cultural and Tourist Significance Chinon is a key destination in the Loire Valley, recognized for its medieval architecture and scenic landscapes. The town's historical sites, including its castle and chapel, attract visitors interested in French history and culture. Its preservation efforts contribute to the broader cultural heritage of the Centre-Val de Loire region. ### Digital Presence The official website of Chinon, [ville-chinon.com](https://www.ville-chinon.com/), provides information on local governance, events, and tourism. It serves as a digital gateway for residents and visitors. ### Related Entities and Connections - **France**: Sovereign state and country of Chinon. - **Centre-Val de Loire**: Regional administrative body. - **Indre-et-Loire**: Departmental administrative unit. - **Arrondissement of Chinon**: Local administrative district. - **Canton of Chinon**: Smaller electoral and administrative division. - **Chinon Castle**: Historical fortress and tourist site. - **Chapelle Sainte-Radegonde de Chinon**: Religious and architectural landmark. - **Gare de Chinon**: Local railway station. Chinon remains a vital cultural and historical node in the fabric of the Loire Valley, embodying centuries of French heritage and continuing to serve as a beacon for regional identity and tourism. ## References 1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/L---0060) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. BnF authorities 4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 5. INSEE code 6. répertoire géographique des communes 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Annuaire de service-public.fr 9. MusicBrainz 10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017 11. Populations légales 2016 12. Populations légales 2017 13. Populations légales 2018 14. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602) 15. Populations légales 2019 16. Populations légales 2020 17. Populations légales 2021 18. Populations de référence 2022 19. Populations de référence 2023 20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698) 21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419) 22. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=9378) 23. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 24. GeoNames 25. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z) 26. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z) 27. museum-digital