About
The Château de Chinon, also known as the Castle of Chinon or the Royal Fortress of Chinon, is a medieval fortress in the town of Chinon, in the Indre-et-Loire department of France. It sits on a rocky outcrop above the Vienne River, and its position gives visitors wide views over the town spread out below.
Why visit
Few castles carry a story as specific as this one. It was here, in 1429, that Joan of Arc met the Dauphin, an encounter that is part of the history of the period. Walking the grounds, you move through a site that has long been tied to that moment, and the fortress itself gives a clear sense of how a medieval stronghold was set into its landscape.
What to expect
- A medieval fortress built on high, rocky ground
- Panoramic views over Chinon and the Vienne valley
- A visit that suits anyone interested in medieval architecture and French history
The town around it
The castle is the centrepiece of Chinon, and the old town lies beneath it, so a visit pairs naturally with a walk through the streets below. The Vienne River runs past the base of the rock, and the setting makes the fortress easy to appreciate from more than one angle.
For practical details, the castle is at 2 Rue du Château, 37500 Chinon, France, and can be reached by telephone at +33 2 47 93 13 45. Check with them directly before you go to confirm current arrangements.