Plunge into the heart of French history with a visit to the Royal Fortress of Chinon! It's one of the few medieval fortified castles in the Loire Valley. Nestling on the banks of the Vienne river, this medieval fortress, one of the most important medieval monuments in France, invites you on a captivating journey through time. Discover the emblematic figures who have left their mark on its history and admire the surrounding UNESCO-listed landscape.
In this article, you'll find a selection of useful tips to help you prepare for your visit to Chinon and have a wonderful time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Royal Fortress of Chinon?
Is Chinon Fortress worth the effort? Our opinion:
The Fortress of Chinon is a historic gem that is well worth a visit for many reasons:
- To visit not one, but three châteaux making up the only royal Plantagenet fortress in the Loire Valley.
- For breathtaking panoramic views over the Vienne valley, the AOC Chinon vineyards and the town of Chinon and its monuments.
- Enjoy the fun, interactive immersion offered by Histopad, a digital tablet that lets you visualize life in the fortress as it was in medieval times, thanks to 3D reconstructions.
- For the 2 km interactive interpretation trail, which offers a new perspective on the Forteresse Royale.
This is one of the most beautiful fortresses to visit in the Loire Valley, especially with children!
Why is this fortress famous?
Built between the 10th and 15th centuries, the Royal Fortress of Chinon is one of the few medieval castles in the Loire Valley. It houses collections of ancient artefacts, reconstructions of royal chambers, Templar graffiti and many other treasures.
To explore this medieval fortress is to walk in the footsteps of emblematic figures who have left their mark on French history. Learn more about England's King Henry II Plantagenet, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, Charles VII, victorious king of the Hundred Years' War, and Joan of Arc, French heroine of the 15th century.
Famous for being the site of the legendary meeting between Joan of Arc and Dauphin Charles VII in 1429, and the residence of Henry II Plantagenet King of England, Philippe Auguste and Marie d'Anjou, it reflects the most prestigious hours of the Middle Ages.
Our favorite moments
It was hard to choose our favourite moments, because we were so amazed by this visit!
- The 180° panoramic view from the Clock Tower was breathtaking. Overlooking the town of Chinon and the Vienne valley, we imagined the battles that might have taken place there. It was like contemplating history through the eyes of kings.
- The furnished reconstruction of Charles VII's private bedroom, with its majestic ambience, transported us into the daily life of a 15th-century king.
- The room dedicated to works of art depicting Joan of Arc. The heroine is represented in images of romantic portraits, war posters, sculptures, tapestries and more.
History in brief
- Antiquity: strategically located on a promontory, the site has been occupied for 3,000 years. It was not fortified until the end of the Roman Empire.
- Middle Ages: in 1154, the new King of England, Henry II Plantagenet, became master of an empire stretching from Scotland to the Pyrenees, and made Chinon his continental capital. He had a vast palace built next to the fortress, which has now disappeared. In 1189, abandoned by his sons, Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland, and on the run from the King of France, he finally died there. Philippe Auguste built the defensive Tour du Coudray after the siege of 1205.
- Renaissance: in 1454, the fortress became the main residence of Queen Marie d'Anjou, who moved there without her husband. She spends lavishly to furnish the place to her taste.
From the 16th century onwards, the fortress was gradually abandoned and fell into disrepair. Despite the dangerous nature of the site, it became a public promenade in 1824 and was classified as a historic monument in 1840. Restoration of the estate began in 1854, thanks to the efforts of writer Prosper Mérimée.
WHERE TO STAY IN Saumur
Downtown
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Hotel Saint Pierre - a historic stay! - see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Château La Marquise - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Anne d'Anjou - prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Angers? Here's our suggestion:
- Hotel Demeure de la Vignole - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Joly Foudres - unusual in barrels - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel de l'abbaye de Fontevraud - prices, pictures and availability
Access and map: Royal Fortress of Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire
Where is the fortress?
- in the commune of Chinon
- Driving time from Angers: 1h10min
- Driving time from Saumur: 45min
- Driving time from Blois: 1h20min
- Driving time from Tours: 50min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there?
By car: in our opinion, this is the most practical way to visit the Châteaux de la Loire and the surrounding area. Find out all our tips for renting a car and enjoying greater freedom of movement. Arriving on the A85 freeway, take exit 9 towards Chinon and then the D751 departmental road.
If you're arriving on foot from Chinon's historic town center, don't hesitate to take theelevator to the château entrance.
By train: the Fortress is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Chinon SNCF train station. What's more, if you present your train ticket (if you've taken a TER Centre train) stamped on the day of your visit, you'll benefit from a reduced rate on the entrance ticket to the fortress. There are regular connections from nearby train stations, such as Angers and Tours, but also from Paris (allow around 3 hours).
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
By bus: take Sitravel public transport line B from Chinon station to the "cimetière" stop, a 5-minute walk from the fortress. Consult bus fares and timetables here.
By bike: located on the Loire à Vélo cycle route, the Royal Fortress of Chinon offers a warm welcome to cyclists. The estate has also been awarded the "Accueil Vélo" label, which guarantees quality services for cyclists along the itineraries (see details here). Cyclists can take advantage of reserved parking spaces, lockers, a free repair kit on loan if needed, and a fresh water fountain.
Nearest airports to Chinon: by car, Tours airport is 50 minutes away and Poitiers-Biard airport, 1h10min. Compare available flights.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking
The establishment doesn't have its own parking lot, but we have listed a number of free parking spaces:
- The Forteresse parking lot, avenue François Mitterrand, opposite the Café des Silènes, which also has a charging station for electric vehicles (about a 20-minute walk from the Forteresse, along a well-explained path).
- Place Jeanne d'Arc parking lot (about a 15-minute walk from the fortress)
Awarded the Loire à Vélo label, the fortress has bicycle parking spaces to the north of the site and to the south in one of the parking lots on Avenue François Mitterand (more info here).
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating...
Best time to visit
As part of the famous Loire Valley castles route, Chinon Fortress is very popular during the summer and school vacations. For a more exclusive visit, we recommend arriving in the early morning or late afternoon. The rest of the year is less busy, so come when you like! To enjoy the views from the fortress, a sunny day is a must. As the tour is also indoors, less favorable weather could also be suitable. But while stormy skies are splendid to observe from the Clock Tower, nothing beats a bright, clear view!
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow around 2 hours to visit the entire site. There are toilets near the parking lot and inside the fortress at reception, which also has a changing area for very young children.
A castle with several towers, this historic monument is also a maze of staircases. Ideal for walkers, the site is less suitable for people with reduced mobility and baby carriages. Pleasant and green in spring and summer, the park remains accessible to all. Baby carriers are recommended for visits to the royal dwellings and towers. Stroller spaces are available at reception.
Advice on how to visit
We didn't have to follow any particular route to discover the fortress. You'll find that it's easy to take time out between each building to pause and contemplate the scenery.
Arrival is from Fort Saint-Georges, where the reception building is located. Access to the site is via the Clock Tower, as you can see on the map below.
This is where we began our visit, climbing the tower's parapet walk to admire the exceptional view over the Vienne valley and Chinon's slate roofs. We also explored clock mechanisms. We then naturally continued along the southern ramparts:
- the Logis Royaux, with its many exhibitions and reconstructions,
- the Tour de Boissy with its pointed arch,
- the Tour du Coudray dungeon and the obligatory visit to its basement,
- to the Tour du Moulin to admire its Angevin/Plantagenet vault.
Finally, we returned to the north facade: the Tour d'Argenton and the Tour des Chiens. We spent a long time around the reconstructed war machines on display in the park.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
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Visiting with children
The mediation offer for the fortress is entirely free, so it would be a shame to miss out! First of all, we recommend you take the Histopad (a tablet included in the ticket price), which will enable you to make your visit immersive. This tablet can be activated at several points around the château, and enriches the visit with 3D reconstructions.
La Forteresse offers tours suitable for all age groups, and a wide range of activities for children. Bring the whole family!
The Bertille Trail, for example, is aimed at 5-10 year-olds, and lets them slip into the shoes of Joan of Arc or Charles VII. Treasure hunts are offered with the HistoPad. For fans of fiction, some of the exhibits showcase the royalty imagined by cinema. During the school vacations, other activities are organized.
Thanks to an original concept, the site is inaugurating an escape game entitled "À la découverte des âmes perdues des Templiers" (Discovering the lost souls of the Knights Templar) for ages 9 and up. Fun and colorful, the signage and explanatory inserts are just as appropriate.
Schedules and rates
Schedules:
The Fortress is open daily all year round, except 01/01 and 25/12.
- November to January: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- March/April/September/October: 9.30am-6pm
- May to August: 9.30am-7pm
- Ticket office/shop closes 30min before site closes
Prices:
- Full price: €10.50
- Reduced rate: €8.50 and Pass Ouest Touraine (9 other sites at reduced rate)
- Free for children under 7
For more information on times and prices, visit the official website here.
Guided tours
Whether you're a history buff or just curious, we strongly recommend that you visit the fortress with the Histopad! This tablet is available in 9 languages and is included in your ticket. You're guaranteed an immersive visit, thanks to breathtaking 3D and 360° reconstructions that plunge you into the heart of the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries.
Sound illustrations, detailed explanations and rooms virtually reconstructed in their original state... Activate the Histopad at different stages of the visit to travel back in time and better understand the history of Chinon Fortress.
Free 50-minute guided tours (included in the ticket price) are available all year round, in French and English. If you'd like to visit the fortress with a guide, check out the details on the official website here.
Catering
Inside or outside the fortress, you'll find a number of places to eat and drink:
- Café restaurant Le Lysandre: inside the fortress, facing the Tour de l'Horloge, ideal for a gourmet break on the terrace or in the garden, in the shade of the hazelnut trees.
- Restaurant La Cave des Silènes: on the outskirts of the estate, opposite the Forteresse parking lot, this wine cellar offers a selection of Chinon wines, as well as a snack bar.
If you're looking for other good places to eat in the area, check out the best restaurants in Saumur, just a 40-minute drive from Chinon (article coming soon).
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Start of the tour: the Middle Castle
After entering the fortress via Fort St Georges, you'll begin your tour at Château du Milieu, the largest part of the site.
The Clock Tower
On the bridge linking Fort St Georges and Château du Milieu, you can admire the majestic Tour de l'Horloge. The emblematic gateway to Château du Milieu, it rises to five levels. It owes its name to the clock it has housed since 1399.
Use the Histopad to view the tower as it was in the 15th century.
Ingenious mechanism and ancient bell
The Tour de l'Horloge housesone of Touraine's four oldest bells. It has been ringing the hours for the inhabitants of Chinon since the end of the 14th century!
You can admire its impressive original wrought-iron mechanism dating from the 17th or 18th century. Inscriptions and symbols on the mechanism indicate that it was commissioned by Charles VI.
Since the 60s, the bell mechanism has been electrified, and you can watch a demonstration of its mechanism during your tour of the tower.
Exceptional views from the tower
From the covered walkway of the Tour de l'Horloge, you can enjoy a 180° view of what was, in the 14th century, "the fortress-town". Part of the city once surrounded by ramparts. Today, you can admire old half-timbered or stone-built houses and some beautiful churches.
Don't miss the other views from the fortress:
- from the terrace of the Tour du Trésor: panoramic view of the Vienne river and Chinon's 12th-century bridge.
- on the terrace of the Tour des Chiens: view of the Chinon vineyards.
Take time to contemplate the calm waters of the Vienne, which reflect the sky and clouds, creating a serene, peaceful atmosphere. The wooded banks of the river are dotted with vineyards, verdant fields and period homes.
Chinon fortress: from Roman times to the 21st century
Continuing our tour, we headed for the Logis Royaux and immersed ourselves in the site's history.
Castle construction models
During your visit, you'll discover models retracing the history of the Royal Fortress's construction.
They offer a fascinating insight into its evolution over the centuries. These detailed representations will help you understand the fortress's architectural history and the evolution of its defenses. From Roman times, evoking the earliest foundations, to the modern era, illustrating the successive additions and transformations built over the course of the occupations of the various kings and important figures of the time. These include Foulques IV, Henry II of Plantagenet, and Philippe Auguste.
The models are easy to understand, with nuances of color and material to identify the different eras.
From defensive fortress to royal dwelling
Initially prized for its strategic position, the fortress now boasts military and defensive architecture. Over the centuries, the estate expanded. Fortified by the Romans, the promontory was later developed by Henry II Plantagenet, his son Jean Sans Terre and the French king Philippe Auguste. In the 14th century, the Duke of Anjou initiated the construction of the royal dwellings, which were continued by Charles VII and then Marie d'Anjou.
Today, only part of the Logis Royaux remains. The royal chambers have been meticulously reconstructed. We were impressed by the elegance and richness of the furnishings. We enjoyed discovering the objects used by Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, as well as Charles VII, and the games they played.
These kings made this imposing building both functional and aesthetically impressive, with a unique character. This monument combines the military aspect with the elegance and refinement of a royal residence.
The decoration of the royal bedroom is painted in the 12th century style, as on the
wall fragments found during excavations carried out in the early 2000s on the
Palais Plantagenêt site. On the bed, note the cheetah-hunting quilt, inspired by an 11th and 12th century fabric fragment in the Musée Le Carroi in Chinon. This quilt is made exclusively from linen and wild silk, without cotton, as in the days of the Plantagenets.
Continuation of the tour: Fort du Coudray and its medieval treasures
Erected by Philippe Auguste in 1205 to reinforce the castle's defensive capabilities, the Tour du Coudray stands out as the most imposing defensive tower on the site. Here you'll find exhibitions of period objects.
Joan of Arc and her special relationship with Chinon
Walking in the footsteps of Joan of Arc, we surveyed the Fort du Coudray and rediscovered the young woman's exceptional destiny. Born in a Lorraine village in 1412, Joan of Arc claimed to hear voices of divine origin delivering a message: to lift the siege of Orleans, crown the Dauphin Charles VII at Reims and repel the English. To accomplish these missions, she decided to travel to Chinon to meet Charles VII in 1429. Lodging in the Tour du Coudray, the heroine was twice received by the Dauphin.
Plates, statues and portraits represent Joan of Arc through the centuries, now a heroic figure in French history. We were touched by the Tapisserie de la Reconnaissance, which depicts the so-called miraculous scene of the meeting between the young woman and the future monarch. We also noticed this beautiful blue earthenware plate, which highlights the warrior aspect of the fighter.
Joan of Arc, a heroine glorified after her death
Did you know that during her lifetime, Joan of Arc was not portrayed or celebrated in the way we think of her today? From the Renaissance onwards (15th century), writers, artists and historians began to use her image, reinventing and glorifying her as a symbol of purity, faith and patriotism.
As you enter the royal lodgings, you'll discover a room entirely dedicated to Joan of Arc and her representations: romantic portraits, war posters, objects, sculptures and tapestries.
You'll be amazed to discover that in the 19th and 20th centuries, the image of Joan of Arc was used for commercial purposes. Yes, Jeanne sold washing machines, stain removers and even camemberts! A dedicated collection is on display in the Joan of Arc room.
Royal arms and armor
As you pass through the door of the weapons room , you're plunged into the warlike world of the great battles of the late Middle Ages. The many suits of armor and other weapons on display bring the fortress's military history to life. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in past battles!
The military equipment on display was used during the Hundred Years' War. You'll be able to admire a range of helmets, chain mail, tower and crowbar crossbows. There are also reproductions, including one of an astonishing Milanese suit of armor from the early 15th century.
Archaeological remains at Fort du Coudray
On the first floor of the royal dwellings, discover objects from the site's archaeological excavations. In particular, this work has revealed that the site's earliest occupation dates back to the end of the Bronze Age.
The archaeological remains on display include a carved capital, a carved portrait of St. George slaying the dragon, a Plantagenet playing dice, vases and more, all of which will help you imagine what daily life was like in the Middle Ages.
The Tour du Coudray, guardian of the castle
The Tour du Coudray was built in the 12th century, during the medieval period. It played a strategic role in the defense of the fortress of Chinon, serving as a lookout post for the surrounding area. It features typical medieval architecture, with thick walls and battlements, testifying to the ingenuity of the builders of the time.
During the persecution of the Knights Templar in the 14th century, the Tour du Coudray was used as a temporary detention center for certain members of the Templar order awaiting trial.
Use your Histopad to go back in time and discover the Templars imprisoned in the tower.
In the 15th century, the Tour du Coudray was also the residence of Joan of Arc.
Don't miss a visit to the tower:
- Graffiti by the Knights Templar in the first floor room
- The 360° view of Chinon and the valley from the tower terrace
>> Want to discover these jewels of French history? Book your tickets now
Exploring the fortress
The estate and its superb views over the Vienne river
After your visit to the fortress, take a stroll in the park. The views from the ramparts of Chinon Fortress are an essential part of Chinon's cultural heritage.
visit experience. They allowed us to immerse ourselves in the region's history, geography and natural beauty.
The fortress's ramparts and towers offer 360° views:
- a picturesque view of the town of Chinon, with its slate roofs, cobbled streets and half-timbered houses
- a spectacular view of the Vienne valley winding through the landscape
- a panoramic view of the 25,000m2 Domaine de la Forteresse and the surrounding countryside.
Fields, vineyards, forests and hills stretch as far as the eye can see. Feel free to enjoy the park for a picnic.
Medieval artillery: the machinery reconstituted in the gardens
Don't leave before seeing the 15th-century war machines on display in the gardens: two bombardes and two veuglaires. Made of wood and wrought iron, they are typical of the early days of gunpowder artillery.
- Veuglaires are small cannons. The ones on display in the park are authentic. They date from the 14th and 15th centuries.
- Bombardes were used to protect servants from attackers. One of the two is named after a companion of Joan of Arc, La Hire. An important detail when you consider that only princely or exceptionally large bombards were given a name.
The Royal Fortress in a new light
The interactive interpretation trail
After your visit, head back into town along the interactive interpretive trail. It starts on the fortress esplanade (in front of the reception and ticket office). Located on the northern slope of the ramparts, it offers a new perspective on the Royal Fortress. It will take you back to the banks of the Vienne river, and then on to the discovery tour of Chinon's City of Art & History, which extends into the historic town center.
This 2 km trail is dotted with 6 interactive terminals, offering detailed explanations of the surrounding panorama and observable architectural structures, thehistory of its defensive towers and the romantic legend of the Roberdeau underground. Along the way, you may be lucky enough to meet the ewes living along the ramparts. They are part of an eco-pasturing program designed to clear undergrowth ecologically and quietly!
From the other shore: a last look at an unparalleled historical legacy
After this spellbinding visit, we took a moment to admire the fortress from the other bank of the Vienne, crossing the Chinon road bridge. From here, we were able to contemplate the grandeur of this historic site. The fortress, majestically perched on its rocky outcrop, dominates the town and the valley. She's almost intimidating. We left with lasting memories.
After your visit, take time to stroll through the pretty cobbled streets of Chinon. Note that the city center has been designated a protected area to preserve its wonderful heritage. You can reach the lower downtown area on foot, or take the hillside elevator straight down.
Then take the Chinon bridge, bearing in mind that it has stood since the 12th century! From the other side, you can admire the view of the fortress and admire its beauty.
Frequently asked questions
Chinon fortress or Château de Chinon, what's the difference?
Wondering if there is a château in Chinon? Well, the Royal Fortress of Chinon is actually made up of 3 separate but adjoining castles. Situated on a rocky spur, the fortress stretches for 300m, overlooking the Vienne River as it flows through the valley and the town of Chinon. The site has been very well developed for both adults and children.
As you may have guessed, Château de Chinon is actually the Royal Fortress of Chinon and its 3 surprising castles!
Is it possible to experience an escape game at Chinon Fortress?
Exactly, the Royal Fortress of Chinon has opened an escape game experience until May 2024 for the moment "À la découverte des "Âmes perdues des Templiers". It's quite a novel concept in a historic monument! Search for the Templars who were imprisoned in the 14th century and still haunt the fortress!
From June 1, 2024, a new escape game will be launched. Find out more here.
Are there any temporary events and exhibitions at the Royal Fortress of Chinon?
Yes, temporary exhibitions and events are organized here. During our visit, we had the pleasure of discovering the "Armes et Armures Royales, quand le réel rencontre la fiction" exhibition.
We loved this exhibition, which brings together history and pop culture. Weapons and armor on loan from leading national museums are displayed alongside props from fictional works of cinema and TV series. It's an opportunity to understand how the audiovisual world draws inspiration from historical objects, and above all how these props, created for the fantastic, echo the real.
The parade armor of Henri II of France in conversation with the crown of Robert Baratheon, King of the Seven Crowns from the Game of Thrones series, was one of the highlights of the exhibition (see here).
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