This fortress/chateau is really a must-see if you're anywhere remotely close to the area.

This fortress sits there on the hill behind the village, towering above it. It makes a really impressive sight from the other side of the river.

The history is a colorful one: Count of Blois built the earliest known castle on the mount of Chinon in the 10th century, but there have been settlements on this hills since 3000 years! By 1205, Chinon was one of the last castles in the Loire Valley. It fell to French forces in the Easter of 1205 after a siege of several months.On 6 March 1429 Joan of Arc arrived at Château de Chinon. In 1454 French Queen Marie D'Anjou made the fortress her main residence. Later on Cardinal Richelieu was given the castle to prevent it from coming under the control of unfriendly forces, though he allowed it to fall into ruin. Since 1840, the castle has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. Between 2003 and 2010 the castle was the subject of a massive excavation and restoration project, costing 14.5 million euros.

Now it sits there in all its glory. Many rooms can be explored, many towers and walls. There's a huge amount of sights and information to take in here. As well as wonderful valley views. Picnic spots, a restaurant, toilets and of course a souvenir shop. Dogs are welcome as well, our Bulldog had a good time here.

With the entrance fee comes a tablet with a self-guided virtual tour, very very well done this! There are guided tours as well, but for us the self-guided tour was really good enough.

It is really an impressive fortress/chateau. And there were surprisingly few visitors for this kind of sight on the summer weekday. It might be different on a weekend.

Entrance fee is very fair, staff very friendly. A really great place that you shouldn't miss.