Medieval town of Loches

Visit one of the most beautiful fortified cities in France …

Only a 10-minute drive away from our home is the Royal City of Loches.

Ranked among the “Most Beautiful Detours of France” Loches has an astonishing wealth of heritage which makes of it an exceptional medieval city in the heart of the Châteaux of the Loire.

Loches is one of very few French medieval towns to have kept almost all of its 12th Century ramparts. The citadel is a showcase of Loches’ most beautiful medieval monuments :

The Gallo-Roman keep, constructed around the year 1000, is one of the largest and oldest dungeons in Europe today.

The Collegiate Church of Saint Ours is a splendid example of Romanesque architecture, with a sculpted polychrome portal and two pyramidal cupolas, the only ones to be found in France. Inside the church lies the tomb of Agnes Sorel, the official “favourite” mistress of King Charles the VII.

The Royal Apartments, one of the first stately residences built by the Kings of France in the Loire Valley, hosted a number of historically notable women such as Agnes Sorel, Joan of Arc and Anne of Brittany.

…a relaxing destination

A gentle pace of life, good restaurants, artists, excellent local produce all contribute to making Loches a great place to visit and to it’s general feeling of “well-being”.

Throughout the year historic and cultural events are organised; medieval festivities, street theater, night markets, concerts…

The farmers market (Wednesday and Saturday), considered to be one of the largest in Touraine, is a true showcase of Lochois specialties (goat cheeses from Sainte-Maure de Touraine, Géline de Touraine (poultry), rillons and Rillettes).

Watch the video to get a feel of this beautiful town…