A certified "Town of Art and History" and "Most Beautiful Detour in France", Loches is a must-see destination in Indre-et-Loire. Located amid the Loire Valley castles, this royal city has many stories to tell and attractions to offer. Walk along the cobbled streets to discover a thousand years of history. Ancient dwellings with tuffeau stone façades or fortified gates, such as the Porte des Cordeliers or the Porte Royale, will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. The Romanesque Collegiate Church of St. Ursus, with its two eight-sided pyramidal cupolas, houses the tomb of Agnès Sorel, favourite of Charles VII. You can also walk to the Tower of St. Anthony, an old belfry standing 52 metres tall, the Chancellery and the Centaur House, the latter two both having Renaissance façades. By the River Indre, the public park is a pleasant place for a walk where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the collegiate church. Art-lovers should head to the Lansyer Museum-House, where works by the painter of the same name are exhibited, and to the Saint-Antoine Gallery, where there are two paintings by Caravaggio.
Loches is also famous for its castle towering over the town. Built by Foulques Nerra in the 11th century, several women who shaped history spent time there: Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel and Anne of Brittany. It consists of towers, dungeons, underground tunnels, passages, stairways and beautiful terraces. A testimony to the Renaissance, the Royal Lodge is one of the castle's most important rooms. Don't forget to climb to the top of the tower, where you will be greeted by a panoramic view of the city!
Every Wednesday and Saturday, one of the largest markets in Touraine is held in Loches. Be sure to pay a visit, if only to admire the many colourful stalls that will undoubtedly make your mouth water...
Loches, "City of Art and History", ranked among "The Most Beautiful Detours in France", but also a place of life and services, is a residential and tourist city. Very accessible by public transport, Loches is located about half an hour from Tours and the TGV station.
Sub-prefecture of Indre-et-Loire, Loches plays a crucial role relay and animation for the whole country South Touraine.
Medieval City of exception, Loches history is closely linked to that of France since it was founded in the 5th century around a monastery founded by St. Ours. She then became one of the key fortresses of the Loire Valley, three successive ramparts are one of the best preserved and protected sites of France.
Loches is also a city of Earth where food goes with his past Touraine sausages (rillettes, crackling, etc..) Géline Touraine goat cheese, foie gras, confectionery, Touraine wines are the flagships ... this land where life is good. Market Loches, Wednesday and Saturday morning is a showcase flavors and know-how Lochois.
The royal city hides many treasures:
Royal door, only after accessing the city, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries;
The dungeon novel, high 36 meters and in a perfect state of preservation;
The royal house, favorite Valois and marked by three illustrious women Residence: Joan of Arc, Agnes Sorel (official favorite of Charles VII) and Anne of Brittany;
The Saint-Ours, Romanesque splendor built in the 11th and 12th centuries;
Lansyer House, family home of the painter Emmanuel Lansyer (1835-1893), regarded in his time as one of the best landscape painters.
The second wall is home to some of the most beautiful mansions Loches and the third enclosure is sandwiched among prestigious Renaissance buildings: the House of the Centaur, Hotel de Ville (Francis) and the Chancellery, recently restored, where History of Loches is declined, from its origin to the present day (2003 Award "Ribbons Heritage").
The Saint-Antoine church restored in 2011, presents a collection of works of art in the 17th century., Statues and stained glass Avisseau Lobin. The Antonine Gallery houses the exhibition of two paintings "The Caravaggio Philippe de Bethune," altarpiece Jean Poyet (XV c.) And religious treasure Loches.
The cultural and artistic animation is permanent: exhibitions of art, theater, concerts, night shows of summer, festivals... are so many opportunities to appreciate the atmosphere and the atmosphere of this Cité Millénaire.
Main Events:
- "Loches in Celebration": at Easter.
- "Loches in Voice": early July.
- International traditional harness competition: end of July.
- Nocturnal markets: in July and August.
- The "Autumn Sonatas": in October.
Medieval Festival
- From 15 to 17 august 2024
- Place Charles VII
- During this summer weekend, travel back in time to the Middle Ages ! - The city of Loches offers you numerous animations in the heart of the medieval fortress : craftsmen market on the mall of the Keep, medieval dances and music, ball, camp with demonstrations, farm, workshops, games… - In the dungeon and in the royal house, attend the knights' fights, handle weapons and war machines, listen to the minstrels and other acrobats, handle the sword or shoot with the bow… Shows, juggling and musicians will animate these days. Workshops and medieval games will delight young and old. A medieval adventure to live with your family !
Loches and South Touraine is a unique setting for relaxation and recreation that you can practice, according to your desire, the following activities: bike rides, hiking and horseback riding, fishing, golf, microlight, canoeing, flying glider, 4x4 trekking, orienteering ... or simply enjoy the forest of Loches which covers nearly 4,000 hectares.
