Due to its exceptional architectural heritage, the Conseil général d'Indre-et-Loire launched a significant policy with the aim to highlight the royal fortress of Chinon.
The castle of Chinon is situated on a remarkable site that overlooks the Vienne river from a clogged spur and dominates the border between Anjou and Poitou. The outstanding ramparts stretch along five hundred and forty six yards and consist of three elements which are separated by moats: Fort Saint-Georges stands eastward, Fort du Coudray westward and, in the middle, the Château du Milieu where the royal dwellings are to be found.
Despite its ruined aspect, nearly 100,000 visitors a year go round the fortress of Chinon. It remains an exceptional example of medieval military architecture that needed to be rehabilitated by the Conseil général d'Indre-et-Loire. Excavations had been carried out since 2003 before the vast restoration works. 
Aware of the treasure fragility, the Conseil général d'Indre-et-Loire defined an ambitious rehabilitation plan of the three castles.   
 
Click here to discover pictures of the building site

 

 

Only the western main bodies of the royal dwellings – both large and small attic spaces – are to be rehabilitated. Today, the eastern third body called salle de la Reconnaissance is almost damaged entirely and will therefore remain in this condition. The main idea of the rehabilitation is to find out the traditional aspect of the dwellings. 

Le fort Saint-Georges
From the entire fort only the ramparts remain today. The complete southern rampart is being restored and will be the unique visible part of Saint-Georges' fort and represent the most impressive part of the rehabilitation plan. A new contemporary building will be built within the site and will henceforth become the main entry to the fortress.