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Loches

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City
—°101511
Loches (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Loches

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Royal City (Cité Royale) covers a large, steep area; wear practical shoes for the cobblestones.
  • Buy a combined ticket for the Keep (Donjon) and the Royal Lodge to save on admission.
  • Visit the Wednesday or Saturday morning market in the lower town, one of the most bustling in the region.
  • Avoid parking in the upper medieval town; use the spacious free parking areas near the train station or the lower town.

🍽 Food

🍽
Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine

Local ash-coated goat cheese; buy it directly at the lively morning market.

🍽
Rillettes de Tours

A rich, slowly cooked pork spread; order it as a starter in a traditional brasserie.

🍽
Touraine Wines

Excellent local white and red wines; visit a wine cellar in the town center for a tasting.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Rue de la République

The main shopping street in the lower town, lined with independent boutiques and bakeries.

🛍
Loches Market

Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it's first-rate for gathering regional delicacies and fresh produce.

🧘
Prairies du Roy

A protected natural meadow area connecting Loches to Beaulieu-lès-Loches; well-suited for a peaceful walk.

🧘
Jardin Public

A beautifully landscaped park offering a spectacular, uncrowded view of the medieval fortifications above.

Highlights of 2026

10

Loches is a prestigious historic town in the Indre-et-Loire department, often described as one of the most beautiful detours in France. It is renowned for its 'Cité Royale', a formidable walled citadel that rises above the Indre river valley. The town's skyline is dominated by a massive 36-meter high Romanesque keep (donjon) built in the early 11th century, which is among the most impressive medieval military structures in existence. Loches served as a favorite residence for several French monarchs, most notably Charles VII. It was here that Joan of Arc convinced the king to travel to Reims for his coronation. The town also houses the tomb of Agnès Sorel, the first officially recognized royal mistress, in the Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours, a church famous for its unique stone pyramids. Below the fortress, the town unfolds in a maze of cobblestone streets lined with Renaissance-era mansions and spirited local shops. Loches is famous for its open-air market, one of the largest in the Touraine region, showcasing local wines, goat cheeses, and truffles. Today, Loches is a thriving cultural hub that balances its deep historical roots with a high quality of modern life, attracting historians and travelers from around the globe who seek the authentic spirit of the Loire Valley.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C4471114182121171384
Rain mm655060547463545144726771

Geography

Population
7,132
Coordinates
47.12860, 0.99530

Facts

  • 7031 inhabitants
  • 47.1286 N, 0.9953 E
  • Centre-Val de Loire region
  • Elevation between 64 and 147 meters
  • Historic nickname 'La Cité Royale'
  • Postal code 37600

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Loches (15)

Loches Keep (Donjon)🛡️ fortress

One of the most impressive Romanesque keeps in Europe, built in the 11th century and standing 36m tall.

Royal Lodgings (Logis Royal)🏺 historical

A favorite residence of Valois kings, this palace hosted famous figures like Joan of Arc and Agnès Sorel.

Saint-Ours Collegiate Church⛪ religious

A unique 12th-century church featuring rare hollow pyramidal steeples and a beautiful Romanesque portal.

🕒 Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec 09:30-17:00; Mar 09:30-20:00; Apr-Jun, Se

Cordeliers Gate🏺 historical

A massive 15th-century gateway that served as a major entrance to the fortified medieval city.

Lansyer Museum🏛 museum

Located in the former home of landscape painter Emmanuel Lansyer, showcasing his works and collections.

Saint-Antoine Tower🏺 historical

A 52-meter high tower from the 16th century, formerly a belfry and the last remnant of a parish church.

Loches Public Garden🎡 recreation

A beautifully landscaped park offering some of the best views of the medieval citadel and city walls.

Château de Sansac🏰 castle

The Château de Sansac is a historic castle located in Loches. Visitors can admire its architectural features and the surrounding grounds.

Château de Puygibault🏰 castle

The Château de Puygibault is a historic castle located in Loches. Visitors can admire its architectural features and the surrounding grounds.

Espace Agnès Sorel🎭 culture

The Espace Agnès Sorel is a cultural venue located in Loches. It hosts various artistic events and contributes to the local cultural scene.

Le Pressoir🏰 castle

The Le Pressoir is a historic castle located in Loches. Visitors can admire its architectural features and the surrounding grounds.

Centre Aquatique Naturéo🎡 recreation

Centre Aquatique Naturéo is a pleasant public park located in Loches. It gives a green space for relaxation and outdoor activities in the urban environment.

Église Saint-Antoine📍 landmark

The Église Saint-Antoine is a significant place of worship situated in Loches. It serves as a notable religious and architectural landmark for the local community.

Église Abbatiale Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul📍 landmark

The Église Abbatiale Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul is a significant place of worship situated in Loches. It serves as a notable religious and architectural landmark for the local community.

Tour Chevalot🗼 tower

The Tour Chevalot is a historic tower located in the town of Loches. It is a distinctive structure that recalls the medieval defensive history of the region.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction of Loches?
The 'Cité Royale' with its massive 36-meter high 11th-century dungeon and the royal lodgings where Joan of Arc met Charles VII.
When does the market in Loches take place?
The Loches market is one of the largest in the region and takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning in the lower town.
How much time should be planned for the visit?
Plan at least half a day to visit the citadel, and another 2 hours for a stroll through the medieval old town.
Is the Cité Royale wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The gardens and some rooms of the lodgings are accessible, but the dungeon and many medieval streets have steep steps and cobblestones.
Are there combined tickets for the sights?
Yes, there is a ticket that covers both the dungeon and the royal lodgings. Adults pay approximately 10-12 euros.
Loches: where is it located?
Loches is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Loches: what is there to see?
Highlights include Loches Keep (Donjon), Royal Lodgings (Logis Royal), Saint-Ours Collegiate Church.
Loches: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Loches: why is it worth visiting?
Loches is a prestigious historic town in the Indre-et-Loire department, often described as one of the most beautiful detours in France.
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