To mark the 43st European Heritage Days, the Royal Fortress of Chinon will be offering tours throughout the weekend.
In 2026, the European theme for the European Heritage Days is ‘Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reinvent’. The Fortress’s environmental commitments demonstrate the ongoing efforts of its teams to protect both the natural heritage and the historical and cultural heritage represented by the Fortress as a whole. The tour ‘The small world of the stone giant’ tells you more about this.
Programme
Saturday and Sunday: 11.00 and 15.00
Only in French
From medieval fortified castle to today's tourist attraction (via the 19th-century mulberry tree nursery), come and discover the history of the royal fortress's wooded park. A secret life has developed here, almost invisible. It hides around us, flies above us and awakens with the changing seasons.
It is also an opportunity to speak to the monument’s guides about the Fortress’s designation as an LPO Refuge since June 2026.
Saturday: 2:00 pm. to 5:00 pm.
Only In French
Since 2024, several excavation campaigns have been scheduled at the Royal Fortress of Chinon in September. They aim to gain a better understanding of Fort du Coudray, and in particular the succession of buildings that were established there from the 10th century onwards, up to the 15th-century Saint-Martin chapel.
On Saturday 19 September in the afternoon, the archaeologist in charge of the excavations will share the initial results of his investigations with you.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Regular tours in the park of fortress
Only In French
Saturday and Sunday: 9.30am - 6pm
5€ per tablet
Immersive and interactive tours.
Thanks to HistoPad© technology, discovering the Fortress is enhanced in a spectacular way, with spectacular 360° 3D reconstructions. Spaces that have disappeared or been transformed are reconstructed in their original state, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Middle Ages. The interactive HistoPad© can be used to fire bombardments or take part in a treasure hunt!
Available in 9 languages.
Saturday and Sunday: 9.30am - 6pm
Visit the Fortress at your own pace. Discover the remarkable history of the site through its museography and refurbished rooms, wander through the Fortress park or take a tour of its many towers to admire the magnificent panoramic views.
In 2024, take advantage of the year of Eleanor of Aquitaine to discover her bedroom and reconstructed kitchens!
European Heritage Days
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026
9.30am - 6pm
Free admission
(Histopad: €5)