The Hart of the matter - Taken in Touraine

Standing before the Royal Lodgings of Loches, the striking Cerf Ailé (Winged Hart) creates an unexpected meeting between medieval history and contemporary art. It has become a memorable welcome for visitors exploring one of France's most important royal residences.

The winged hart is far more than a modern sculpture. The hart was the personal emblem of King Charles VI, symbolising nobility and resilience, while the addition of wings gives this contemporary artwork a sense of freedom and imagination. Set against the 15th-century Royal Lodgings, it beautifully bridges six centuries of French history.

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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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.

Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Taken in Touraine · Back to Home

Have a good weekend...try and stay cool.

Loches

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.

Discover more from the Loire

© Experience Loire — Have a good weekend from the Loire · Back to Home

A view from above -taken in Touraine

From the top of the Porte Royale, the rooftops of the medieval town of Loches unfold below, with the distinctive Tower of Saint-Antoine rising above them. Narrow streets weave between centuries-old stone houses, following routes that have remained remarkably unchanged for generations.

This elevated viewpoint offers one of the finest panoramas in Touraine, revealing the close-knit fabric of a town where medieval streets, historic buildings and everyday life continue to exist side by side.

The Tower of Saint-Antoine is all that remains of the former Church of Saint-Antoine, which was largely destroyed during the French Revolution. Rising above the rooftops, the tower has become one of Loches' best-known landmarks. From the top of the Porte Royale, you can appreciate not only this surviving bell tower but also the medieval street pattern below—little changed over the centuries.

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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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.

Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Taken in Touraine · Back to Home

Mon Banc Dominical / My Sunday Bench -some shade in Loches.

Tucked away in the public gardens of Loches, this simple stone bench rests beneath a rose-covered pergola, where cool shade offers a welcome retreat on a warm summer's day. Surrounded by climbing roses and mature trees, it's a peaceful place to pause and enjoy one of Touraine's quieter corners.

Unlike a wooden bench warmed by the sun, the cool stone seat remains inviting even in the heat of the afternoon. Here, the fragrance of roses, birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves create a moment of calm just a short stroll from the historic Royal City of Loches.

The public gardens of Loches were laid out on land that once formed part of the town's defensive surroundings. Today they provide a peaceful contrast to the medieval fortress above. The rose pergola has become one of the garden's most photographed features, offering both colour in late spring and early summer and welcome shade for visitors exploring the town.

More Loire benches here.

“On Sundays, the Loire speaks softly — and you have time to listen.”

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Part of the “Mon banc dominical” Series

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 — Mon banc dominical · Back to Home

Welcome to July...Loches in Southern Touraine.

 

The Dunjon at Loches.

Down memory lane in Loches...

Rue Foulques Nerra is a steep, narrow street that leads back toward the commanding Porte Royale within the medieval citadel of Loches.

A quiet lane in Loches with a big sense of history.

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Part of the “Towns & Villages of the Loire” Series

Exploring the towns and villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.

Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home

Sunday Bench – Bd Philippe Auguste, Loches

This bench carries a different mood, calm, reflective and just removed enough from the town to feel hidden, although without obvious shade not the perfect choice for the current hot spell!.

Boulevard Philippe Auguste follows the foot of Loches’ imposing medieval ramparts. The name recalls King Philip II Augustus, whose reign helped strengthen royal authority across France in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. From down here, the walls feel less defensive now and more protective, turning this stretch into one of those unexpectedly peaceful corners that reward wandering rather than destination-seeking.

Here is the walk around the walls - this is from 2012 but the route has actually changed little since the 12th century!

  

More Loire benches here.

“On Sundays, the Loire speaks softly — and you have time to listen.”

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Part of the “Mon banc dominical” Series

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 — Mon banc dominical · Back to Home

On the Streets of Touraine : Rue des Moulins, Loches.

Take away the road signs and there is very little here to indicate that this is the twenty-first century. On Rue des Moulins in Loches the view could belong to almost any century of the town’s long history.

Loches has a habit of revealing itself gradually. A quiet street becomes an old façade, the façades lead the eye upward and suddenly the royal city appears above the rooftops as if it has always been there.

This is one of Touraine’s best-preserved medieval towns and was once a favoured residence of French kings. Walking its lower streets, it is easy to forget that the ordinary streetscape and the historic skyline have existed side by side for hundreds of years.

Bon samedi dans la Touraine !

“The streets here don’t hurry. They simply invite you to walk, to notice, to belong.”

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Part of the “On the Streets of the Loire” Series

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

Loches on non-market day.

A calm Pl. du Marché aux Fleurs in Loches on non-market day.

“Some towns speak softly — Loches is one of them.”

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Part of the “Towns & Villages of the Loire” Series

Exploring the towns and villages of the Loire Valley — their streets, stories, and quiet beauty.

Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Towns & Villages of the Loire · Back to Home

Taken in Touraine - river Indre at Loches.

Seen from the Porte des Cordeliers in Loches, the River Indre moves quietly beneath the trees and old stone houses that line its banks. On warm days, the reflections soften the edges of the town, creating a calmer view far removed from the busy streets on market day.

This part of Loches reveals another side of Touraine, where water, greenery, and centuries-old buildings blend naturally into the landscape. Hidden corners like this are easy to miss, yet they often become the moments visitors remember most clearly after exploring the town.

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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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.

 Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Taken in Tou raine · Back to Home 

Wednesday for windows - pretty in Loches.

On the way to the gates into Loches’ public gardens, this graceful stone facade on Chemin de la Prairie de la Foire offers one of those perfect little moments the Loire Valley does so well.

The soft colours of the roses against the weathered walls and pale blue shutters make it easy to pause and simply admire the details. Loches itself is a medieval town with a royal château, yet refreshingly free of the bigger crowds found elsewhere in the valley.

These are the scenes I look forward to sharing every Wednesday.

“Through every window, the Loire breathes — calm, patient, and quietly luminous.”

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Part of the “Windows of the Loire” Series

Each Wednesday, we share a glimpse of the Loire Valley through its windows — small frames of everyday beauty and quiet reflection.

See more from Experience Loire

© Experience Loire — Windows of the Loire · Back to Home

Mon banc dominical — my Sunday bench...another in Loches

A quiet shady bench in the public gardens of Loches 

More Loire benches here.

“On Sundays, the Loire speaks softly — and you have time to listen.”

---

Part of the “Mon banc dominical” Series

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 — Mon banc dominical · Back to Home

Nature’s magic carpet in Loches.

In spring, the Loire Valley treats you to these unexpected moments of beauty. Here, a vibrant tree has generously laid down a thick purple-pink carpet of blossoms along the path, turning an ordinary riverside walk into something enchanting.

Loches and the surrounding Touraine region are famous for their beautiful gardens and floral displays in spring. These blossom “carpets” are a delightful annual gift from nature that locals and visitors look forward to every year.

A perfect reminder to slow down and enjoy the small wonders while exploring the Loire Valley.

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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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.

 Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Taken in Touraine · Back to Home 

Wednesday for windows - a route less travelled.

Windows captured from a quiet lane in Loches connecting Rue des Ruisseaux to Rue Balzac. Tucked away from the main tourist paths, this narrow passage reveals the authentic, lived-in charm of Loches. Ancient stone walls, weathered façades, and simple yet elegant windows tell stories of centuries past.

While many visitors head straight to the famous château, wandering these lesser-known lanes offers a more intimate connection with the town. Here, time seems to slow down. You can almost hear the echoes of footsteps from the Middle Ages as you pass under old archways and admire the unpretentious beauty of everyday historic architecture.

Loches is often called one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France. Its historic centre, including these quiet connecting lanes, remains remarkably untouched and full of character.

These are the moments that make exploring the Loire Valley so rewarding, discovering peaceful corners that feel like your own secret find.

“Through every window, the Loire breathes — calm, patient, and quietly luminous.”

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Part of the “Windows of the Loire” Series

Each Wednesday, we share a glimpse of the Loire Valley through its windows — small frames of everyday beauty and quiet reflection.

See more from Experience Loire

© Experience Loire — Windows of the Loire · Back to Home

On the streets of Touraine: Grande Rue in Loches

Walking down the charming Grande Rue in Loches feels like stepping back in time. This narrow, cobblestone street, lined with elegant white stone buildings and wrought-iron balconies, is the historic heart of one of Touraine’s most beautiful medieval towns.

A little anecdote: In the Middle Ages, Loches was a powerful royal fortress. Kings and queens (including Anne of Brittany) stayed in the nearby château. Legend has it that the street once echoed with the footsteps of prisoners, nobles, and merchants alike. One of the most famous residents was Agnès Sorel, the “Dame de Beauté” and official mistress of King Charles VII, she lived nearby and is buried in St. Oars collegiate church just a short stroll from here. Today the street is far more peaceful, filled with cafés, boutiques, and the gentle sound of visitors exploring.

With its perfect perspective under a bright blue sky, Grande Rue perfectly captures the timeless elegance of the Loire Valley.

Bon samedi dans la Touraine !

“The streets here don’t hurry. They simply invite you to walk, to notice, to belong.”

---

Part of the “On the Streets of the Loire” Series

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

Bon week-end have a good weekend everyone.

In the heart of Loches, market day (Sat./Wed.) brings a gentle buzz that feels both timeless and quietly lively. Stalls fill the square with colour and conversation, while locals and visitors move easily from one stand to the next, pausing, chatting, choosing.

There’s no rush here. A coffee on the terrace stretches a little longer, a simple purchase turns into a friendly exchange and the morning unfolds at its own pace. It’s these small moments that define a Loire weekend, unhurried, welcoming, and full of everyday charm.

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.

Discover more from the Loire

© Experience Loire — Have a good weekend from the Loire · Back to Home

Taken in Touraine: Saint-Ours Church from Les Prairies du Roy.

A beautiful spring view across the meadows of Les Prairies du Roy, captured yesterday, where the striking twin spires of the Church of Saint-Ours rise gracefully above the trees.

Framed naturally by the foreground foliage, this peaceful perspective captures the harmonious blend of nature and heritage so typical of the Touraine region. In the distance, the historic church stands proudly alongside the rooftops of the village, with a château peeking through the greenery on the right.

Les Prairies du Roy offers one of the most scenic and serene vantage points to admire this lovely corner of the Southern Touraine.

“In Touraine, even the silence tells a story.”

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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.

 Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Taken in Touraine · Back to Home 

Bon week-end à tous - have a good weekend everyone.

Above the public gardens, the medieval town of Loches unfolds like a storybook: the majestic Romanesque towers of the Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours, the elegant silhouette of the royal château rising above the rooftops.

Here, history feels close and life feels slow, the perfect place to breathe out the week and welcome the weekend.

Wishing you a restful, sunny Bon week-end wherever you are. May your days be as bright and timeless as this corner of Touraine. 🌸☀️

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.

Discover more from the Loire

© Experience Loire — Have a good weekend from the Loire · Back to Home

Taken in Touraine – Loches in springtime.

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.

 Discover more about the Loire Valley
Browse the full series

© Experience Loire — Taken in Touraine · Back to Home