Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Castle · Tours, Centro-Vale do Loire
Forteresse royale de Chinon
Medieval fortress made up of three castles on a hill above the Vienne river, where Joan of Arc met King Charles VII in 1429.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Forteresse royale de Chinon
The Forteresse royale de Chinon brings together three castles on a single hill above the Vienne river: the Fort Saint-Georges, the Château du Milieu and the Fort du Coudray. The site was a residence of the Plantagenets, the dynasty of Henry II of England, and later of the kings of France.
In February 1429, Joan of Arc arrived in Chinon after riding some 470 km in eleven days and met the future Charles VII, whom she convinced to support her campaign against the English. The visit recounts that episode and the history of the Templars imprisoned in the Tour du Coudray in 1308.
The route goes through the royal lodgings, the towers and the ramparts, with views over Chinon's roofs and the river. There is a visitor tablet with reconstructions.
The town of Chinon, below the fortress, has medieval streets and gives its name to one of the region's best-known red wines.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1h30 to 2 hours for the fortress; plus 1 hour for the lower town.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the light brings out the walls. The view from above is best on clear days.
How to get there
Regional trains (TER) link Tours to Chinon in about 50 minutes; from the station to the fortress is about a 20-minute walk, uphill. By car it's roughly 45 km from Tours.
Tip
There is a public elevator that takes you from the lower town up near the fortress. Allow time to have lunch in Chinon and taste the local red wine.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Forteresse royale de Chinon
What is Chinon's connection to Joan of Arc?
It was in Chinon, in 1429, that Joan of Arc met the future king Charles VII and secured his support for the campaign against the English.
Can you get to Chinon by train?
Yes. Regional trains depart from Tours and take about 50 minutes. From the station to the fortress there's a climb of about 20 minutes.
How much time should you allow?
Half a day, for the fortress and a walk around the lower town.