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We visited the castle in July 2025, the moat is empty and it all locked up but unoccupied. Its worth having a look at because you can get a good view through the front fence and gate.

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: https://loirelovers.fr/en/visit-royal-fort-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: https://loirelovers.fr/en/visit-royal-fort-chinon/

Place of laughter and tears. The theatre is located in the heart of Chinon and dates from 1922. It is one of the oldest theatres in France with a balcony that is still in use.

The Tourist Office of Azay-Chinon Val de Loire welcomes you all year round to discover our city. A must to save time here. Well prepared means no regrets about lost time. Opening hours From 1 July to 31 August : Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 19:00. Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. From 2 May to 30 June and from 1 to 31 September : Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. From 1 October to 30 April : Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Closed on Sundays and public holidays / Sunday and Easter Monday: from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.

Nice location to take a break here. Picnic benches are set up in the shaded area. The terrace of the summer bar La Guinguette has a nice view of the river Vienne and the Royal Fort of Chinon.

Tough calf biter. Here you know why there are gears on your bike.

Here you are at the prayer house of the small community of Couziers. If you stop here, one of the 108 inhabitants of the village will come out for a chat.