Royal Fortress of Chinon
Chinon, France
A long ridge-top fortress where Joan of Arc met the future Charles VII in 1429. The ramparts overlook the Vienne and the slate roofs of the old town; a lift climbs from the riverside.
The royal fortress of Chinon stands above the Vienne and was built by Count Theobald I of Blois. Charles VII set up his court here in 1427, in the middle of the Hundred Years' War. In March 1429 Joan of Arc met the future king in the great hall of the royal lodgings; she wanted to convince him of his legitimacy and urged his coronation at Reims.
The complex comprises Fort Saint-Georges, the Middle Castle with the Logis royaux (the apartments of Charles VII and Mary of Anjou) and Fort du Coudray. Chinon was already a Plantagenet seat: Henry II died here, and in 1204–05 Philip II Augustus took the castle from King John after a year-long siege, ending Plantagenet rule over Touraine and Anjou. A museum on the site is devoted to Joan of Arc.
After six years of restoration, the site can be visited again: you can climb several towers and follow a circuit through the restored royal lodgings in 15th-century style. The restored ramparts are 150 m long. From the top you look out over the Vienne valley. The castle stands on a hill, so expect some climbing. Allow about two hours; Rabelais’s birthplace, La Devinière, lies about 6 km to the south-west.
- Nearest town
- Chinon, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.1685, 0.2365
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping-car Park ChinonMotorhome stopover1 km from Royal Fortress of Chinon · 49 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- La FritillaireCampsite8 km from Royal Fortress of ChinonTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Belle-RiveCampsite13 km from Royal Fortress of Chinon · 58 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Aire Camping-car Brain-sur-AllonnesMotorhome stopover20 km from Royal Fortress of Chinon · 20 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Langeais Camping et loisirsCampsite23 km from Royal Fortress of Chinon · 90 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping mon village de Loudun-Les HirondellesCampsite23 km from Royal Fortress of Chinon · 20 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Royal Fortress of Chinon?
Royal Fortress of Chinon is in Chinon, France, at GPS 47.1685, 0.2365. It is about 14 km from Fontevraud-l’Abbaye.
Can you camp near Royal Fortress of Chinon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping intercommunal de l’île Auger, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 55 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Royal Fortress of Chinon?
Royal Fortress of Chinon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Touraine and Anjou: Villandry to Fontevraud.
What is there to see near Royal Fortress of Chinon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Château d’Ussé (10 km), Fontevraud Abbey (14 km), Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (20 km) and Château de Villandry gardens (28 km).
When is the best time to visit Royal Fortress of Chinon?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)