Forteresse Royale de Chinon

Probably one of the best castle visits in the area, especially if you're into medieval history. Lots of castles to visit in the Loire but this one is value for money and also a great experience. Tablet is supplied for virtual reality like historic views, maps and more. Cafee was closed but probably because we're going into low season. Town of Chinon is also very worth while. We chose it as our base for a week in this region.

Really fabulous castle, lots of trails to do for children of all ages and you're given a tablet to scan key places around to get full history. Only downside was some display boards only had French and a QR code English, which didn't work. (some had English and French printed, which would be good to have everywhere as the QR codes didn't work)

Fantastic Fort with a fascinating history revolving around the 100 year war and the English occupation of this part of France. There were displays of replica trebuchet and sling shot both shot a ball towards a wooden target. Good info boards and plenty to see. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.

We visited during the medieval days and it was really lovely. The fortress/chateau itself is gorgeous, the views are stunning. Well explained and interesting even for the kids. There seems to be some treasure hunts and games which we did not do as the medieval activities were distraction enough :) but I’m sure it would have been great. You can get slightly discounted tickets at the tourist office just outside on regular days. There are limited food options in the area especially on a Sunday so bring a picnic! We did eat at the food truck outside but waited like an hour (it was really good though).

An extremely interesting and important historical place with not really lot of exhibition and things to see inside. Beautiful view outside, several historical buildings, lovely flowers outside. Anyway, don't miss it. Richard the Lionheart also lived there.

This is a combination of restored castle and medieval ruins, spread out across a hilltop overlooking the village of Chinon and the River Vienne. Chinon sits at the meeting point of three French provinces Anjou, Poitou and Touraine and thus has been an important defensive location since Gallo-Roman times. A defensive spot for 3000 years, this hilltop has served to protect the area from various enemies (Vikings, etc.), as well as the home of Henry II Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine (it also served as her prison). Four Knight's Templars were imprisoned at Chinon on the orders of Philip the Fair, King of France--among them Grand Master Jacques de Molay (he was burned at the stake here). In 1429, Joan of Arc came to Chinon to meet the future French king Charles VII. In 1840, the fortress of Chinon was classified as a historic monument. Enter through a modern building at the base of the Castle gate (the ticket office) and follow the walkway to the clock tower (a bell tower with clock mechanisms at the top). Climb the tower (inside and out) for excellent views of the area and to see the clock mechanism. Follow the ruined walls west to the Logis Royaux to see a plaque to Joan of Arc. The Logis has been restored and includes archeological findings and displays about its famous inhabitants. Further west you can roam through the Tour de Boissy, Tour du Coudray (prison for the Knight's Templar, it includes graffiti attributed to them), a small chapel and various ramparts with cannons. The one cafe on the site was closed when I visited, so take the Chinon elevator down to the village below the cliffs for lunch. Toilettes are located near this cafe, but no other facilities on the site. Some parts of the castle are still under construction, including exhibits. Informational signs are in French and English.

Very interesting castle. They have a clever tour/ interactive tablet that takes you through the history. Would benefit from a cafe. You end up going up and down a lot of towers, so there are a lot of steps.

Going back in time and learning about life in the fortress - it’s so beautiful and the context feels real, I love walking the long footbridges inside and looking out over the vienne (and vineyards)

This fortress/chateau is really a must-see if you're anywhere remotely close to the area. This fortress sits there on the hill behind the village, towering above it. It makes a really impressive sight from the other side of the river. The history is a colorful one: Count of Blois built the earliest known castle on the mount of Chinon in the 10th century, but there have been settlements on this hills since 3000 years! By 1205, Chinon was one of the last castles in the Loire Valley. It fell to French forces in the Easter of 1205 after a siege of several months.On 6 March 1429 Joan of Arc arrived at Château de Chinon. In 1454 French Queen Marie D'Anjou made the fortress her main residence. Later on Cardinal Richelieu was given the castle to prevent it from coming under the control of unfriendly forces, though he allowed it to fall into ruin. Since 1840, the castle has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. Between 2003 and 2010 the castle was the subject of a massive excavation and restoration project, costing 14.5 million euros. Now it sits there in all its glory. Many rooms can be explored, many towers and walls. There's a huge amount of sights and information to take in here. As well as wonderful valley views. Picnic spots, a restaurant, toilets and of course a souvenir shop. Dogs are welcome as well, our Bulldog had a good time here. With the entrance fee comes a tablet with a self-guided virtual tour, very very well done this! There are guided tours as well, but for us the self-guided tour was really good enough. It is really an impressive fortress/chateau. And there were surprisingly few visitors for this kind of sight on the summer weekday. It might be different on a weekend. Entrance fee is very fair, staff very friendly. A really great place that you shouldn't miss.