Chinon is a picturesque Medieval town, bordering the river Vienne. The famous author Rabelais (1494-1553) lived in Chinon. The impressive castle of Chinon that dominates the town can be visited as well as many other famous castles. Many of them are less than 25 km from La Chaussée: Ussé, Azay le Rideau, Saumur, Langeais ,Saché (Balzac) , and Villandry (magnificent gardens). La Chaussée is also near the very impressive Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.