Built at the point where the regions of Anjou, Poitou and Touraine meet, the royal fortress of Chinon is located in a key strategic position that has been fought over since Antiquity. From its rocky promontory, it overlooks the surrounding area and has played a key role over centuries of history revealed to us today by its towers, royal residence and ramparts.

Although the site has been lived in since antiquity, it only started to gain prominence from the 10^th century onwards under the counts of Blois and Anjou. The location had always been a strategic one, since the occupants could view the whole territory from these heights. Major changes were made in the 12^th century, with the construction of Fort Saint-Georges, the Château of Le Milieu and Fort Coudray. Henry Plantagenet of England chose Chinon as the continental capital of his empire.

Defensive modifications were carried out in the 13^th century during the war that opposed the Plantagenets and the Capetians, a war that was won by French King Phillip Augustus who reclaimed the fortress after nine months of siege. Touraine thus became French royal land, and remained so for centuries. New walls were built around Fort Saint-Georges and defensive towers were later added, mainly around the Fort de Coudray. During the 14^th century the fortress was an important stronghold in the kingdom, and it was here that the Templar dignitaries were imprisoned and interrogated before they were judged and burned to death in Paris.

During the 15^th century France was occupied by the English, leading the Dauphin to flee Paris and seek refuge in Chinon, which became his primary residence. It was during this period that the suites underwent their last alterations and played host to a major moment in French history, when Joan of Arc came to meet the king in his apartments to convince him of her good faith and ask him to give her the army to break the siege at Orleans. In the 17^th century, the fortress was abandoned for more modern châteaux, and its old stones lay dormant until 1840, when the building was listed as a Historic Monument.

Since the beginning of the new millennium, the fortress has been subject to a massive restructuring project and major archaeological digs, while the ramparts and residences have been renovated to create a new visit route. After more than a thousand years of history, the fortress remains fully anchored in the modern day thanks to the new technology it has embraced, with videos, sound recordings, multimedia stations and iPads. Numerous interactive devices will accompany you on your visit, adapted for all audiences. The fortress has even taken on the unusual challenge of organising an Escape Game within its historic walls.