There are views of Loches where the modern town almost disappears, leaving the Royal Lodgings rising above the trees much as it might have appeared centuries ago.
The royal residence became a favourite residence of the Valois kings. Charles VII stayed here regularly, and Joan of Arc met him at Loches in 1429.
From Chemin de la Prairie de la Foire, the view makes it easy to imagine the town without the traffic, signs and modern buildings that usually give away the century and it's the same from the riverside walk by the Indre.
Bon lundi.
“Each château tells a story — of kings, of artists and of the dream of France itself.”
Every Monday, we explore one of the Loire Valley's legendary châteaux — from royal residences to riverside retreats — each revealing a different chapter of the region's story.
Discover more about the Loire Valley
© Experience Loire — Châteaux of the Loire · ,
Here in the garden behind Hôtel Groslot, this wooden bench sits low against a wall of diamond-patterned bricks that seems to go on forever. The red and black of the Renaissance façade rise above it, almost hiding it in the carefully ordered geometry that has stood since the mid-16th century.
This is the rear of the former private mansion of Jacques Groslot, later town hall and still used for weddings. The garden that opens behind it is a 19th-century creation, gravel paths, a few metal sculptures and the perfect spot for the wedding photographs following the ceremony. From this angle the famous patterned brick becomes almost abstract and the simple bench gets lost in the background,
This bench does not try to compete with the architecture, it just waits, slightly out of place, for whoever needs a moment to sit and reflect on their day.
“On Sundays the Loire Valley speaks softly — and you have time to listen.”
Each Sunday, we share a quiet bench somewhere in the Loire — a small reminder that peace is often found where you simply stop to notice it.
Explore more moments from the Loire
© Experience Loire — My Sunday bench · Back to Home
“The streets here don’t hurry. They simply invite you to walk, to notice, to belong.”
Each Saturday, we stroll through the lanes and cobbles of Loire towns and villages — places where every step feels like a story.
See more from Experience Loire
© Experience Loire — On the Streets of the Loire · Back to Home
Hope your week ends well and it's followed by a lovely weekend.
Part of the “Bon weekend from the Loire” Series
Each Friday, we share a quiet moment from the Loire — a region that invites you to unwind, a beautiful weekend at a time.
© Experience Loire — Have a good weekend from the Loire · Back to Home
Le Grand-Pressigny is one of the places where the history of southern Touraine can be read on a much older timescale than its medieval buildings suggest. The château, seen here above the village, began as a stone fortress in the early 12th century. Its Renaissance gallery was added later, and the surviving château now houses the Musée de la Préhistoire.
The village is particularly important for its prehistoric heritage. During the Neolithic, the distinctive flint found around Le Grand-Pressigny was worked into long blades and exported well beyond the region. The Musée de la Préhistoire has one of the major collections documenting this industry and the wider prehistory of Touraine.
“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”
Every Thursday, we pause somewhere in Touraine — a village, a vineyard, or a quiet riverside — to capture the spirit of this timeless Loire region.
Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series
© Experience Loire — Taken in Touraine · Back to Home
