La Devinière, the farm where François Rabelais – doctor, Franciscan friar, theoretician and author – was born (sometime between 1483 and 1494; no one is sure), sits among fields and vineyards with sweeping views of a private château in Coudray Montpensier. This farm inspired the settings for Rabelais’ five satirical, erudite Gargantua and Pantagruel novels. The rambling buildings of the farmstead hold thoughtful exhibits including early editions of Rabelais’ work and a Matisse portrait of the author from 1951. The winding cave network beneath provides an atmospheric setting for special exhibitions.
Follow the signs 9km southwest of Chinon, to the outskirts of Seuilly to find La Devinière.
