Royal Fortress of Chinon
Forteresse royale de Chinon
A medieval royal fortress on the cliffs above the Vienne, where in 1429 Joan of Arc met the Dauphin Charles VII.
The Royal Fortress of Chinon stretches for about 400 metres along the cliffs on the north bank of the Vienne. In the 12th century it was the court of Henry II of the Plantagenet dynasty of England. In 1429, Joan of Arc recognised the disguised Dauphin Charles VII here, which led to the Siege of Orléans. The restored royal palace, keep and dungeons have multimedia displays, and from the ramparts you can look over the half-timbered houses of Chinon's old town and the river. The old town below is famous for its Chinon red wine cellars. Entry costs about EUR11. It is about 45 km from Tours, with direct trains.
Opening hours
Approx. 9:30–19:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Château d'Ussé
- Château du Rivau
- Château de Langeais
- Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
- Château de Villandry
- Tours Old Town
- Tours Cathedral
- Vouvray