Loches in the Loire Valley

Loches, one of our favourite places in Centre Val-de-Loire, is a very pleasant medieval riverside town in the department of Indre-et-Loire, southeast of Tours, resting on the banks of the Indre River.

Your first impression of Loches will be of a town steeped in history, that still retains its authenticity, one of the best-preserved in France. Guidebooks actually have it 'listed' it as a town of Art & History as well as recommended detour (plus beau detour). Its narrow, traffic free streets in the old town could be the same ways travelled by the kings, queens and heroines of its medieval past.

It is a citadel town and has a medieval complex within its walls which includes a castle keep, a royal residence and a collegiate church. Due to St.Oars hilltop location the town's inhabitants felt that a church in the lower town would be useful for its older residents and a new church St. Anthony's was built.

Porte Royale

Plan of citadel walk

Its chateau and dungeon are easily accessible by walking up Rue de Chateau and entering the citadel via the 'Porte Royale' - well worth a visit - learn of the Richard the Lionheart connection.

There is a lovely public park on the other side of the river which looks up to the chateau and you should seek it out for its bandstand and floral displays as they make for great  photo opportunities.

Within easy walking distance there are two museums, municipal tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool .