Centre-Val de Loire · Indre-et-Loire, France

Forteresse Royale de Chinon

A vast medieval fortress stretched along a spur above the Vienne, favourite residence of Henry II Plantagenet — and the place where, in 1429, Joan of Arc picked the disguised Dauphin out of the crowd and convinced the future Charles VII to give her an army.

At a glance

Built: 10th–15th centuries
Style: Medieval royal fortress in three enclosures
Commissioned by: Counts of Blois and Anjou; Henry II Plantagenet; French crown
Signature feature: Three walled enclosures along a 400-metre rocky spur
Joan of Arc: Met the Dauphin Charles here in February–March 1429
Plantagenet seat: Principal continental residence of Henry II, who died here in 1189
Later infamy: Templar leaders were held at Chinon in 1308
Visiting: Open to visitors year-round