Château de Chinon is enclosed by fortifications over five hundred meters long. The three main structures of the fortress include Fort Saint-Georges to the east, Fort Coudray to the west, and Château du Milieu in the centre.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/24/history-of-a-construction-site

A palace together with a number of towers and a chapel built around 1160 by King Henry II were uncovered when the ruins of Fort Saint-Georges were excavated between 2003 and 2008.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/24/history-of-a-construction-site The archaeological site has been buried again and transformed into a garden.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/25/the-3-sup-rd-sup-millennium-fortress On the site lies a new two-story building which is now the main entrance to the fortress.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/24/history-of-a-construction-sitehttp://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/25/the-3-sup-rd-sup-millennium-fortress

In addition to the 13th century Tower of Boissy, Fort Coudray includes the Tower of Mill, built at the end of the 12th century as a key defense of the fort and the Tower of Coudray, a cylindrical keep added by Philip Augustus in the 13th century. The fort, its entry stairway and military system were restored between 2007 and 2008.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/userfiles/files/livreguide.pdf

The royal lodgings, the Tower of Argenton, the Clock Tower and the Tower of the Dogs are found in Château du Milieu.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/userfiles/files/livreguide.pdf The royal lodgings, used by the royal court since the 12th century, became roofless for two hundred years. Having been restored in the manner of a 15th century Touraine lodge, the royal lodgings present the history of the castle in four rooms dedicated to Fulk IV (great grandfather of Henry II), Henry II, Philip Augustus and Joan of Arc respectively.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/24/history-of-a-construction-sitehttp://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/25/the-3-sup-rd-sup-millennium-fortress

Fortified in the middle of the 10th century, Château de Chinon was expanded and rebuilt by Henry II, Count of Anjou and King of England in 1154. Upon the death of Henry II, King Philip Augustus of France took over the castle in 1205 after a lengthy siege. Château de Chinon has remained a royal castle ever since Anjou was annexed to France.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/35/history-of-the-fortress The castle was the place where Charles VII of France, in dire need of help during the Hundred Years’ War, first met Joan of Arc in 1429. The castle was turned into a prison by King Henry IV of France. In 1840, it was declared a national monument.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/35/history-of-the-fortress

Overlooking the bank of the River Vienne in Chinon, Château de Chinon is situated at the intersection of the three provinces of Anjou, Poitou and Touraine in the Loire Valley of France.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/35/history-of-the-fortress Château de Chinon is 800 meters from the town center and 1500 meters from the train station of Chinon.

Open all year round, Château de Chinon can be reached by car from Paris in about three hours. Free parking is available in the town of Chinon. Visitors may also take a train from Paris Gare Montparnasse to the station of Chinon via Tours. Entrance to the castle is free for children under 12 years old. Full admission fee is seven Euros per person. Group visits and visits in English or Spanish are available between April and September with advanced booking.http://www.forteressechinon.fr/en/editorial/29/reception-office