Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Royal Fortress of Chinon, located on a rocky spur overlooking Vienna in Indre-et-Loire, is a medieval complex composed of three distinct castles: the Coudray Fort, the Middle Castle and Fort Saint-Georges. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it controlled a strategic passage between Tours and Loudunais. Its history dates back to the Iron Age, with traces of Gaulish and Gallo-Roman occupation, but it was in the Middle Ages that it grew, especially under the Plantagenets and the kings of France.

In the fifth century, the site was fortified by the Wisigoths and resisted a Roman siege. In the 10th and 11th centuries, the Counts of Blois and Anjou fought the fortress, which became a major territorial issue. Henry II Plantagenêt in fact its continental capital in the 12th century, adding the palace of Fort Saint-Georges and the Tower of the Treasure. The fortress is also the scene of key events, such as the captivity of Alienor of Aquitaine or the death of Henry II in 1189.

In the 13th century, Philippe Auguste took over Chinon after a nine-month siege (1204-1205) and strengthened his defences with circular towers and a dungeon. The castle played a major political role: in 1308 four Templar dignitaries, including Jacques de Molay, were detained there before their trial. In the 15th century, Charles VII made it his summer residence, and it was here that Joan of Arc met him in 1429 during the so-called "Recognition" episode, marking a turning point in the Hundred Years' War.

After losing its strategic role, the fortress fell into ruins from the 17th century. Sold as a national property during the Revolution, it was partially demolished before being classified as a historical monument in 1840. Since 2003, restoration campaigns have revived this iconic site, which now attracts 130,000 visitors annually. Modern technologies, such as augmented reality, are now available to immerse visitors in their history.

Archaeological excavations revealed major remains, such as the palace of Fort Saint Georges (XII century) or the 15th century royal houses, partially rebuilt. The fortress illustrates the evolution of military architecture, from the Gallic enclosures to medieval entrance castles, to the adaptations of the Plantagenets and Philippe Auguste. Its landscaped park, built in the 19th century, now houses medieval weapons reconstructions, bearing witness to its warrior past.

Future

After five years of restoration work, welcome to the fortress of the third millennium!

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