Loches in Southern Touraine

Loches is a medieval riverside town in the department of Indre-et-Loire, half an hour from Barrou, on the left bank of the Indre River. It has a medieval complex which includes a dungeon, a royal chateau and a collegiate church.

Your first impression will be of a town steeped in history yet having a freshness that belies its age.

Its chateau and keep are easily accessible and well worth a visit - learn of the 'Richard the Lion-heart' connection.

The town has many fine bistros and restaurants, gourmet cafes, shops of all kinds, a choice of well stocked supermarkets, a post office, a pharmacy and a bank are all at hand.

The town has a very popular biweekly fresh produce market - Saturdays & Wednesdays

There is a beautiful garden 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 .