From its rocky spur, at the crossroads of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou, the The royal fortress of Chinon overlooks the medieval town and the waters of the Vienne.Reflecting the most glorious hours of the Middle Ages, it is the scene of one of the most important episodes of the Joan of Arc epic: the meeting with the Dauphin Charles in 1429. With its solid, thousand-year-old walls, Chinon also embraces modernity by offering numerous activities and events that allow visitors to relive the highlights of this extraordinary monument and understand the era in which it was built.
A true historical document, the The site of the Chinon fortress has been occupied for three thousand years.However, it wasn't until the end of the Gallic period that a warrior established his dwelling there. In the 10th century, the site acquired its strategic importance with the desire to control the Loire Valley. The descendants of the Counts of Anjou, the Plantagenet dynasty, gave Chinon unprecedented importance., establishing the city as a continental capital during the reign of Henry II Plantagenet. The powerful King of England undertook the expansion of the Fortress by building his palace on top of Fort Saint George. He also had part of his royal treasury kept there and, for a time, imprisoned his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
La a fortress, punctuated by towers each with their own defensive features, offers a broad spectrum of military architecture from the 12th to the 15th centuryThe Coudray tower, an imposing keep, was built at the request of Philip Augustus after the stronghold was recaptured from the English in 1205. Visitors appreciate being able to discover the Templar prison which still retains a remarkable collection of graffiti with religious themes.
Entering the Royal Fortress of Chinon therefore guarantees that you will be immersed in the history of the most iconic figures of the Middle AgesFrom Joan of Arc's two visits in 1429 – exceptional collections evoke this figure from the 16th to the 20th century – to the dazzling visit of Cesare Borgia in 1498, the tour allows you to discover the glorious past of this impressive placeIn the royal residence, objects found during archaeological excavations evoke life in centuries past, while helmets and crossbows recall the fortress's defensive purpose. Reconstruction of Charles VII's private chamberThe result of significant scientific and artisanal work, it evokes the possibility of the sovereign's sudden arrival. Since 2019, the HistoPad has also dramatically enhanced the exploration of the royal fortress of Chinon with 360° 3D reconstructions.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit Around Chinon within which this castle is situated.
