Loches, one of the most picturesque medieval towns in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley. The view shows the historic upper town with its royal castle and the distinctive 15th-century Tour Saint-Antoine rising above the rooftops.
In spring the town is framed by blossoming trees, adding soft colour to the stone architecture. Loches has a long royal history: the chateau served as a favourite residence for Charles VII and Agnès Sorel and the old keep as a prison for several high-ranking figures including the Duke of Milan.
A peaceful Loire Valley scene that combines medieval heritage and seasonal charm.
“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”
Part of the “Taken in Touraine” Series
Every Thursday, we pause somewhere in Touraine — a village, a vineyard, or a quiet riverside — to capture the spirit of this timeless Loire region.
Loches, nestled in the heart of southern Touraine along the gentle Indre River, is one of those places where history feels alive and layered. Just 42 km southeast of Tours, this "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" and certified "Plus Beau Détour de France" has preserved its medieval soul better than most. Perched on a rocky promontory, the Royal City of Loches dominates the landscape: a fortified ensemble born in the 11th century under Foulques Nerra (the fearsome Count of Anjou who built many Loire strongholds), expanded by Plantagenet kings like Henry II and Richard the Lionheart, then reclaimed by Philip II of France in 1204. Later, it became a favored residence for Charles VII, who met Joan of Arc here after her victory at Orléans—she convinced the Dauphin (future king) to head to Reims for coronation.
The town's crown jewels include the massive 37-44m square keep (one of Europe's best-preserved Romanesque donjons), the Logis Royal (Renaissance dwelling with ties to Agnès Sorel, Charles VII's influential favorite—her exquisite alabaster tomb rests in the nearby Collégiale Saint-Ours), underground passages, towers, and the polychrome portal of the 11th-12th century collegiate church Saint-Ours (famous for its two unusual octagonal "dubes" domes and finely sculpted Romanesque details).
In this photo, captured on a clear Winter's day, it rises dramatically against the blue sky: the twin spires of Saint-Ours Collegiate Church take center stage, flanked by the château's towers and rooftops cascading down the hillside in pale stone tiers. It's a classic Touraine panorama, medieval grandeur softened by the intimate scale of the town.
Winter brings its own magic here: crisper air, fewer crowds than summer, golden late-afternoon light that warms the stone, and the first signs of renewal (buds on those weeping willows, perhaps early blooms in the royal gardens). Loches feels peaceful yet alive—perfect for unhurried exploration.
Travel Tip: For the best terrace or viewpoint moments in Touraine, head up to the romantic gardens near the Logis Royal for sweeping views over the town and countryside (some spots even overlook the Indre valley). In Loches itself, claim an outdoor table at a café near Place de l'Hôtel de Ville or along the quieter streets for people-watching with a glass of local Touraine wine. Pair your visit with the Wednesday or Saturday market (fresh produce, cheeses, and Chinon-area wines), then wander the cobbled old town or climb to the keep for HistoPad-guided virtual tours.
Bon jeudi dans la Touraine.
“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”
Part of the “Taken in Touraine” Series
Every Thursday, we pause somewhere in Touraine — a village, a vineyard, or a quiet riverside — to capture the spirit of this timeless Loire region.
Loches, one of the most picturesque medieval towns in the Touraine region of the Loire Valley. The view shows the historic upper town with its royal castle and the distinctive 15th-century Tour Saint-Antoine rising above the rooftops.
