How long does it take to visit the fortress of Chinon?

Plan for around two hours to see the whole site.

Is the fortress of Chinon accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

The areas open to visitors are on one level, without steps.

Can I bring my dog to the fortress of Chinon?

Yes, as long as it stays on a leash.

Where can I park to visit the fortress of Chinon?

Free car parks, suitable for campervans too, are located 200 and 400 metres from the entrance.

Chinon Castle

Chinon

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Visit duration: 120 min
Where: Chinon

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Forteresse royale de Chinon stands in Chinon (Indre-et-Loire), in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century, 15th century). Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on August 4, 2026.

Perched on a rocky spur above the Vienne river, the royal fortress of Chinon is in fact made up of three separate enclosures divided by dry moats: the Coudray fort, the Middle castle and the Saint-Georges fort. Archaeological finds show occupation dating back to the Iron Age, though the structures seen today date mainly from the Middle Ages, shaped first by the counts of Blois and later by the counts of Anjou. Visitors walk along roughly 300 metres of lodgings, curtain walls and towers overlooking the valley and the town below.

Written from Château de Chinon

This place also features in The Knights Templar castles · The castles of Joan of Arc

What to know

A full visit takes around two hours.
The visitable areas are accessible at ground level without stairs.
Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash.
Several free car parks, also suited to campervans, are located 200 and 400 metres from the entrance.
The site has been a listed historic monument since 1840, with further protections added in 1926.

Practical information

Opening hours

Janvier - février et novembre - décembre: 10h-17h
Mars à juin et septembre-octobre: 9h30-18h
Juillet-août: 9h30-19h

Visit duration: 120 min
Wheelchair access: Ground floor accessible
Dogs: Allowed on a lead
Parking: Several free car parks for cars and motorhomes are located 200 and 400 m from the Forteresse reception desk (avenue François Mitterrand).

On site

Toilets
Food and drink
Gift shop
Picnic area
Child-friendly

Where this château is

Chinon · Indre-et-Loire · Centre-Val de Loire

Map of the area around Forteresse royale de Chinon

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Chinon, Indre-et-Loire

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 2 47 93 13 45

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00097661
Period of construction: 14th century, 15th century

Itineraries

In pictures

Frequently asked

How long does it take to visit the fortress of Chinon?: Plan for around two hours to see the whole site.
Is the fortress of Chinon accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?: The areas open to visitors are on one level, without steps.
Can I bring my dog to the fortress of Chinon?: Yes, as long as it stays on a leash.
Where can I park to visit the fortress of Chinon?: Free car parks, suitable for campervans too, are located 200 and 400 metres from the entrance.
Why does the fortress of Chinon have three castles?: The site grew into three separate enclosures, the Coudray fort, the Middle castle and the Saint-Georges fort, divided by dry moats cut into the rocky spur.

Information verified on August 4, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website