Our first visit was to the mighty fortress of Chinon which is on the Vienne River.  It is truly magnificent sitting on the hill above the town.  The views of the countryside from the fort are astounding.

This is the place in history where Joan of Arc recognized Charles the 7th as the King of France and made him raise an army to liberate France from the English.  The city has a terrific little site with history and other links:  <https://www.medieval-castle.com/french_castles/chinoncastle.htm>.  This castle is one of the places where Joan of Arc is enshrined as a hero of France.