Forteresse de Chinon

History in brief
Antiquity: the site is strategically located on a promontory and has been inhabited for 3,000 years. It was not fortified until the end of the Roman Empire.
Middle Ages: in 1154, the new King of England, Henry II Plantagenet, became ruler of an empire stretching from Scotland to the Pyrenees and made Chinon his continental capital. He had a large palace built next to the fortress, which has now disappeared. In 1189, abandoned by his sons, Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland, and fleeing from the King of France, he eventually died there. Philippe Auguste had the defensive Tour du Coudray built there after the siege of 1205.
Renaissance: in 1454, the fortress became the main residence of Queen Marie d'Anjou, who lived there without her husband. She spent lavishly on decorating the house to her taste. From the 16th century onwards, the fortress was gradually abandoned and fell into disrepair. Despite the dangerous nature of the terrain, it became a public promenade in 1824 and was listed as a monument in 1840. The restoration of the estate began in 1854 thanks to the efforts of the writer Prosper Mérimée.Source: loirelovers.fr/en/visit-royal-fort-chinon

Chateau visitable, beautiful view at the top of Chinon. A piece of the history of Jeanne d'Arc. Access by lift or steep streets.

The road out of Chinon towards the Loire, to get back on the Eurovelo 6 (towards Tours) had huge hills beyond my skill set with a lot added bike. Check elevations. I ended up catching a train two stops.