Loches
Loches
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' 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.
Yet it has also
slipped into the future sympathetically to give
us a town of character with all the modern
amenities you need. Shoppers will find it a joy - especially on market days.
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.
Its chateau and dunjon
(keep) 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.
Another interesting monument of the town is the huge belfry (see top photo.) that dominates the skyline of the lower town. This the 'Tour Saint-Antoine' which is the only vestige of a church of the same name that used to stand on this site. It rises to 52 meters. Built between 1529 and 1575, it is apparently the only bell tower of Renaissance design in Touraine.
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.
The river Indre runs through the town – its twisting current making it challenging for anglers who like to fish along the banks, right in the heart of town. It also gives the town additional character and appeal and in the summertime it becomes a place for fun.
Within easy walking distance there are two museums, municipal tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool .
The town is also well served by supermarkets with a large 'Super U' to the north and a 'E.Leclerc' to the south on the outskirts.
The Caravaggio controversy:
Two paintings discovered discarded in a church organ loft in 2006, in the town, were identified on an inventory as original Caravaggio's and reputed to be worth up to £50 million each !
Although initially authenticated as originals various experts have since doubted the pictures are by him. This has not stopped Loches promoting itself as a 'Caravaggio town' and they can be viewed where they were discovered at the church of Saint-Antoine in a specially built annex.
More on Loches
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Chateau - Royal Lodgings
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Donjon / keep
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Loches market
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St.Antoine's Church
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St.Oars' Church
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Our holiday rentals near Loches
