Chinon Castle is spectacular. Although much are ruins, the restoration gives you a full sense of the original. You can visit the spot where Joan of Arc met the future Charles VII and was housed in the Tour de Coudray, where Henry II had his hounds housed in a mini-tower, where Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry spent their Christmas courts,... More

You have to be mobile although there is a lift up to the chateau from the town but there is a lot of walking. The views from the top are amazing. There is an interesting museum about Joan of Arc and guided tours in english everyday. The car park is just opposite and there are several wine tasting caves nearby... More

This was a very interesting visit, with very well presented films on large screens, with lots of interesting historical information. More

My three young children, husband and I loved this fortress. We'd done Langais in the morning and saw all nicely decorated rooms, so this was a nice "different" chateau. It's been beautifully restored and the multimedia videos really made it come to life. We were lucky and practically had the place to ourselves so I don't know how the videos... More

A must visit to French history buffs. The castle complex, comprised of three enclosures, is mostly in ruins except at the restored ramparts, Royal Apartments and Tour d' Horlge. The fortress, situated on a rocky bluff, is best viewed from across the Vienne river, its breadth providing an impressive backdrop for the city. As we later realized, It is a... More

Chinon is actually 3 sites. It is a proper fortress overlooking the town, it isn't a renaissance chateau like many in the Loire. It has an interesting history which they try to bring to life using modern technology, which is a bit hit and miss, some work, some don't, some go on too long and can't hold your attention, others... More

While it doesn't rate the same way as the chateau in the area, the Chateau of Chinon is important because it predates the Renaissance chateau, being a medieval chateau. This chateau dates from around the 10th century and historically was the seat of government under many kings. Just before the area is a nice parking lot with parking for many... More

This Loire Valley town was one of the last stops on a three-week whirlwind tour of France and Spain, and ranks right at the top of all our experiences. The tasteful 2009 renovation of the historic castle, and the elaborate room-to-room, against-the-wall videos it presents, make it an overwhelming experience, at least the equal of the Salzberg fortress (which we... More

Unlike many Loire castles this is not a pretty thing but a real fortress perched on a hilltop above the Vienne river. My sons (aged 5 and 7) love all things medieval, so the film projections of historic events connected with the castle on the bare walls in various rooms were great for them: Richard the Lionheart clashing with the... More