Chinon is an ancient mediaeval town in the Loire Valley, and like most of these towns a fortified castle is on the hill. Where there is a hill there is a way to climb. Sharon took immediate control of the guide book so I had to follow while she told me about the Plantagenet King Henry IV and King John and Joan of Arc who were all here. The stone stairs in the towers wound up to the lookouts and then down again to the dungeons. All of this walking and me being aware I had to keep my fluids up whilst on holidays, led me to have quite an uncomfortable feeling in my lower regions. Fortunately, I noticed a sign that said “latrines” when walking down a dark stairway way below another fortified tower, only to discover the sign referred to a display of ancient toilets from the 9th century. Do you know the feeling you get when you need to go then you realize that the opportunity is close, but you discover that the door is locked or you need to find 50 cents or the latrine is a part of some ancient fortification? This was one of those times.
Later, when we were leaving, I noticed a damp stain down the outside wall of the tower we had just visited. Perhaps they have a little trouble with damp in these parts of France?