Monday’s Château, Forteresse Royale de Chinon.

Seen from across the Vienne, the Forteresse Royale de Chinon stretches along its rocky ridge above the old town. Its long line of walls and towers makes clear why this was one of the great strategic strongholds of medieval France.

Chinon is closely associated with the meeting between Joan of Arc and Charles VII in 1429. She came here to persuade the future king to support her campaign to relieve Orléans, an encounter that helped change the course of the Hundred Years' War.

Bon lundi dans la vallée de la Loire !

“Each château tells a story — of kings, of artists, and of the dream of France itself.”

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Part of the “Châteaux of the Loire” Series

Every Monday, we explore one of the Loire Valley's legendary châteaux — from royal residences to riverside retreats — each revealing a different chapter of the region's story.

Discover more about the Loire Valley

Browse the full series

 © Experience Loire — Châteaux of the Loire · ,

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View of the Vienne...

From the heights of the Fortress of Chinon, the mighty Vienne river stretches westwards through a broad, wooded valley, with the hillside homes of Chinon below.

The fortress occupies a long rocky spur above the river and was once a key royal stronghold. It was here, in 1429, that Joan of Arc met the future Charles VII before setting out to help change the course of the Hundred Years’ War.

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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Part of the “Taken in Touraine” Series

Every Thursday, we pause somewhere in Touraine — a village, a vineyard, or a quiet riverside — to capture the spirit of this timeless Loire region.

 Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Taken in Tou raine · Back to Home