Chateau de Chinon
Chateau de Chinon - everything you need to know about visiting Chinon fortress
Le Chateau de Chinon refers to the fortress of Chinon, located in the town of Chinon. Château de Chinon is also known as the Royal Fortress of Chinon, and is located in Chinon, Indre-et-Loire. It is actually made up of three structures: the middle castle, the Coudray fort and the Saint-Georges fort, which is over 300 m long. Thanks to its location, it overlooks part of the town of Chinon, as well as Vienne and the surrounding area.
Chinon classification
The Chateau de Chinon has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. The grounds were subsequently classified.
History of Chinon castle
Extensive work was carried out in the 10th century under the Counts of Blois, who built an enclosure around the present-day Fort du Coudray. In 1044, Geoffroy Martel, Count of Anjou, took possession of Chinon castle. The castle was handed over to his nephew Foulques IV, who completed the surrounding wall.
In the 10th century, Henry II of Plantagenet carried out major construction work (Fort Saint Georges and his palace), then succeeded in imprisoning Eleanor of Aquitaine inside Chinon castle. Chinon before he died there. Richard the Lionheart became owner of the fortress, then John Lackland took over and strengthened the castle's defenses. After Philippe Auguste took possession of the fortress in 1205, he began other defense projects.
In 1370, Duke Louis 1st d'Anjou decided to remodel the houses. Charles VII gave the houses their current shape. During this period, Joan of Arc was granted an audience with the King on February 14, 1429. Gradually, the fortress was abandoned, and eventually sold to private owners. It was listed as a historic monument in 1840.
Château de Chinon today
In 2003, the royal fortress was restored under the direction of the department.
Chateau de Chinon - practical information
Visit
It's possible to visit Chinon Castle in different ways.
Opening hours
The Chinon fortress is open almost all year round, except on December 25 and January 1, from 9.30am to 5pm.
Rates
Prices range from 7.50 euros to 10.50 euros, and are free for children under 7, jobseekers and journalists.
Chinon fortress - How to get there
Access to Château de Chinon...
Services at Chinon fortress
The Chateau de Chinon offers a 'histopad', enabling visitors to view the chateau's rooms virtually as they were once used. A guide booklet is also available. The chateau also offers free guided tours in French.
Castle events
Chateaux de la Loire - discover the estates and their gardens, architecture and history
Past testimonials
Here's an account of Chinon fortress in the early 19th century:
The middle fort contains a number of uninhabited buildings, next to which is the ground level of a tower corresponding to the one that still exists today at Lundun, and which was nothing more than a belfry used as a sentry to observe what was happening in the distance. Opposite the buildings is the Argenton tower, built a long time later on the model of the other towers, to communicate underground from the château with the Roberdeau house, once located at the bend of the park of that name, and inhabited by the beautiful Agnès Sorel, when Charles VII, in his misfortune, was staying at the château de Chinon.
In the interior of this château, the remains of another tower can still be seen, next to the Argenton tower, with storeys below, which undoubtedly served the same purpose as those just mentioned. The middle fort is entered through a gate flanked by a tower some sixty feet high and as deep, with several chambers above, two of which now serve as the city clock cage. At the end of the entrance bridge is the old Saint Georges fort, in which there used to be a chapel of that name. All three forts have very steep approaches. Their high enclosures are crenellated and loopholed, as are some of the large and small towers that once stood between them. From Essais sur l'histoire de la ville de Chinon, M. Dumoustier, 1809.
