Chinon

Shortened history of the castle:

At the intersection of three provinces: Anjou, Poitou and Touraine, the rocky outcrop on which stands the royal fortress of Chinon is a strategic site occupied since ancient roman times.

A castle was built there in the tenth century at the latest but it was Henry II Plantagenet, Count of Anjou and King of England since 1154, who will give the fort its present shape.

In 1205, after a long siege, the King of France Philip Augustus takes the fortress and builds the dungeon.

In 1308, the site is the scene of an important event in the history of the Temple Order: The Grand Master Jacques de Molay and some dignitaries of the order are imprisoned before being tried and burned in Paris.

During the Hundred Years War, the court of Charles VII moved to the castle of Chinon in 1427. In March 1429, he received Joan of Arc who came to him to ensure her legitimacy and convinced her to be crowned at Reims.

The decline begins in the seventeenth century fortress with Cardinal Richelieu, who becomes owner of the castle. In 1808, the monument was kindly given to the public administration.

Opening times and additionnal information:

Open all year except december 25 and JAnuary 1st.
From January to end of March : 9.30am to 5pm
From April to end of September : 9am to 7pm
From October to End of December : 9.30am to 5pm

Fees:
Adults - 7 €
Reduced rate - 4.50 €

Visits in english with reservation (from April to September)

Email: forteressechinon@cg37.fr