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

Loches

Agrandir le plan

Shortened history of the castle:

Designed and occupied by Henry II of England and his son, Richard the Lionheart during the 12th century, the castle withstood the assaults of the French king Philip II during the wars for the control of France. It was finally captured by King Philip II in 1205. Construction work immediately upgraded Loches into a huge military fortress.

The castle became the favorite residence of Charles VII of France who gave it to his mistress, Agnès Sorel. It was then converted into a State prison by his son, King Louis XI who had lived there as a child but preferred the royal castle of Amboise.

During the American Revolution, France financed and fought with the Americans against England and King Louis XVI used the castle of Loches as a prison for captured Englishmen.

At the time of the French Revolution, the château was ransacked and severely damaged. Some major restoration began in 1806 but today there are parts visible as ruins only.

Château de Loches has been recognised as a monument historique since 1861 and is listed by the French Ministry of Culture.

Opening times and additional information:

Open all year except 25th of December and 1st of January.

From 2nd of January to 31 of March : 9.30am - 5pm
From 1st of April to 30th of September : 9am - 7pm
From 1st of October to 31st of December : 9.30am - 5pm