Royal fortified city located at 40 kilometers of Tours, Loches, on its rocky spur, dominates from its keep the reliefs tourangeaux. With its 12th century ramparts, citadel and historical treasures, this city of Art and History has been classified among the "Most Beautiful Detours of France". On the edge of the Indre, this magnificent city with its rich architectural heritage is a perfect holiday destination for lovers of history and cities of character.

After having hosted Anne de Bretagne, Jeanne d'Arc and Agrès Soral in turn, Loches can boast of being a high place in the history of France. Cultivating with brio the art of strolling along its old streets and its historic residences, Loches is a small case of sweetness, absolutely perfect for cultural and bucolic walks. By crossing its Royal Gate, curious visitors passing through Loches will be able to glimpse the testimonies of more than 1000 years of history. Between medieval and Renaissance buildings, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours stands out for its splendour. Built during the 11th and 12th centuries, this Romanesque church remarkable for its superb portal and its nave made of two pyramidal domes is known to house the Tomb of Agrès Soral, the favorite of King Charles VII nicknamed the Lady of Beauty. Walk along the ramparts of Loches to meet its most beautiful sites, such as its keep : 37 meters high, this large fortress with walls over 3 meters thick is one of the most beautiful testimony of its time. From military citadel to state prison, it is equipped with large towers that house dungeons, stairs, engravings, paintings and secret underground passages, which will allow you a perfect immersion in the prison life of the time of the Kings of France. Its keep is today one of the largest and oldest in Europe, and one of the best preserved. The courageous visitors who will reach the top of the royal city will be able to enjoy an absolutely superb panorama on the city and its fortifications! Not far from the latter, the Logis Royal was once the imposing residence of the Kings of France in the Loire Valley. Dominating the valley of Indre and Loches from its facade in terrace built on a rocky spur, it is one of the high places of the History of France in particular thanks to the many crowned heads which stayed there one day, with the image of Anne of Brittany and Charles VII. During your peregrinations in this charming city, you will certainly cross the path of the Tour Saint Antoine as well as the magnificent Porte des Cordeliers and the Porte Picois. There are also many old houses that constell Loches, especially in the Main Street : you will find the House of the Centaur, recognizable thanks to its high relief, as well as The Chancellery, a Renaissance style building built in 1551.

Loches and Touraine are the perfect setting for many outdoor activities to enjoy with family, friends or as a couple. For hiking, horse riding or cycling, the Loches Public Garden on the banks of the Indre, but also the Sensitive Natural Area of the Prairies du Roy and the national forest of Loche will make perfect places for family outings along the marked trails that criss-cross these natural areas. From Loches, you can also in a few minutes join some of the most beautiful sites of Indre, like Azay-le-Rideau, Chemillé and its leisure base, Montbazon, Montrésor and its superb balconies on the Indrois, Chenonceau, or Chédigny and its 800 roses.

At the leisure base "Natur'Ailes", you can fly over the surrounding valleys aboard a ULM, and even discover the castles of Chenonceaux, Amboise and Chaumont located not far from Loches as the crow flies. If however it is the water which attracts you, then know that you will be able to opt for excursions in canoe, kayak and boats along the Indre, a playful and refreshing way to discover the magnificence of its poetic landscapes.

Do not miss

The craftsmen of Loches

Whether they are creators of wooden games, cabinet makers, potters or painters, the craftsmen and artists of Loches welcome you to their workshops in order to share with you their noble skills.

The national forest of Loches

This former royal forest extends over more than 3000 hectares. Places of hunting, you will find during your walks the pyramids of Saint-Quentin, Montaigu, Genillé. Itineraries with historical themes will be proposed to you.

The Castles of the Loire Valley

Chenonceau, Chambord, Cheverny are so many emblematic places that evoke the rich French architectural past. The castles of the Loire Valley are an essential part of your stay.