Plizio Visual Lab
Fortress of Chinon
The Royal Fortress of Chinon is a historic castle complex perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Vienne River in the Loire Valley. It is uniquely composed of three distinct architectural parts: Fort Saint-Georges, the Château du Milieu, and Fort du Coudray. While the site was used as a Roman castrum, most of the standing structures were built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Chinon was a key residence for the Plantagenet kings of England, and it was here that Henry II of England passed away in 1189. In 1429, the fortress was the site of a pivotal meeting between Joan of Arc and the future King Charles VII, where she famously convinced him of her divine mission to save France. The site now functions as a modern museum.
- Location: Pays de la Loire, France
- Top sights: Salle François-Rabelais · Vue sur le château · L'Abattoir
- Nearby: Loudun (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 70 | 53 | 62 | 51 | 67 | 57 | 50 | 49 | 42 | 75 | 74 | 76 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The entire fortress complex stretches nearly 500 meters along the ridge.
- King Henry II of England died within the castle walls in 1189.
- Joan of Arc met Charles VII here for the first time in February 1429.
- The site is divided into three separate castles separated by dry moats.
- High-ranking members of the Knights Templar were imprisoned here in 1308.
- The Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge) serves as the main entrance.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Fortress of Chinon (10)
Tour du Trésor
The ruin of the Tour du Trésor tower is part of the former castle of Chinon.
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire🏛 museum
The Museum of Art and History in Chinon displays local collections.
Forteresse Royale de Chinon
The royal fortress towers over the town, once a residence of the Plantagenets.
Musée animé du Vin et de la Tonnellerie🏛 museum
The museum in Chinon uses animated figures to show winemaking and cooperage.
Tour du Grand Portail
The ruin of the great gate tower was the main entrance to Chinon fortress.
Mairie de Chinon
Chinon town hall is the seat of the city administration.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the HistoPad in Chinon?
What famous historical meeting took place here?
How much time should we plan for the visit?
Is the fortress accessible for everyone?
Are there combined tickets for other castles?
Fortress of Chinon: where is it located?
Fortress of Chinon: what is there to see?
Fortress of Chinon: when is the best time to visit?
Fortress of Chinon: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
