Dominating Chinon is the hilltop Forteresse Royale de Chinon, an 11th-century castle that belonged to the counts of Anjou. Its turrets and cylindrical towers rising above Chinon and the Vienne River are a permanent reminder of the region’s rich history. Bring the whole family to enjoy the wide range of events and exhibits in this active museum.
Get to the castle and capture photos of the peaceful Loire Valley scenery before you. Notice the many arches of a bridge crossing the Vienne River, while the spire of the Église Saint Maurice and the sloping thatched roofs of historic buildings make up the foreground.
Embark on the Interactive iPad Tour of the castle for a sense of the context behind the medieval surroundings. Take a guided tour to hear fascinating fortress-related tales from docents. Among the family-oriented features is the Escape Game, a 1-hour activity consisting of a historically themed puzzle to be solved by your group.
Interactive exhibits are arranged in the castle’s restored medieval halls. Watch the four films to learn about intriguing figures in the structure’s history, including Henry II, Charles VII and Joan of Arc. Browse the works of art depicting Joan of Arc and inspect archaeological excavations. Go down to the river for photo opportunities of the castle from below.
The fortress opens daily year round, apart from New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. Opening times are from morning until early evening. There is a fee to enter discounts are available for youths, students and groups. Young children and credentialed journalists can enter for free.
The Forteresse Royale de Chinon, on the northern bank of the Vienne River, marks the western border of Chinon in the Loire Valley. Arrive at the Chinon railway station and walk west for about 20 minutes to get here. While in the town, see the Musée du Vieux Chinon, the Mairie de Chinon and Les Caves Painctes.
