Royal City of Loches

A medieval fortress steeped in history

The Loches keep, built in the 11th century by Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, stands out as one of the oldest and most imposing in Europe. Its original purpose was to keep watch over the region. Over the centuries, it was reinforced and enlarged by figures such as Henry II Plantagenet, King of England and Duke of Anjou. Transformed into a prison for several centuries, the keep has housed renowned prisoners such as Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, and Cardinal de La Balue. Discover the many inscriptions recounting the lives of the prisoners of the time.

From keep to royal residence: an architectural evolution

In the 14th century, Charles V transformed the keep into a royal residence, adding a comfortable, elegant dwelling in the flamboyant Gothic style. It also housed his library, considered one of the most extensive of its time.

Later, Charles VII and Louis XI embellished and enlarged the royal dwelling, transforming it into a privileged place to stay. Visit the royal apartments, adorned with frescoes and sculptures, not forgetting Anne de Bretagne's oratory, a jewel of the Renaissance.

Historical characters and juicy anecdotes

The Royal City of Loches has been the setting for a number of landmark events and fascinating intrigues from French history. Discover the stories of Joan of Arc, who persuaded Charles VII to be crowned in Reims in 1429; Agnès Sorel, who mysteriously died in 1450; Charles VIII, who was born and married Anne de Bretagne here; and Francis I, who imprisoned Charles V here. Immerse yourself in tales of clandestine love affairs, political rivalries and well-kept court secrets.

Château de Loches: visit and architectural treasures

The Château de Loches stands as a monumental ensemble, bringing together the Logis Royal, the keep and various religious buildings. It invites you on a journey through French art and history, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. This exceptional site reveals a variety of architectural styles, sumptuous decorations, precious collections and captivating exhibitions, testifying to the richness and diversity of its heritage.

The Logis Royal, witness to the Renaissance of the city of Loches

The Logis Royal, former residence of French kings such as Charles VII, Louis XI, Charles VIII and François I, illustrates the splendor of the period, with its constructions and transformations spanning the 14th to 16th centuries, in a style combining flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance.

Visitors can explore the royal apartments, decorated with remarkable frescoes and sculptures, including Anne de Bretagne's oratory, a jewel of Italian art. Other attractions include Charles V's library, renowned for its wealth of material, and the Lansyer Museum, dedicated to the works of Loches-born artist Emmanuel Lansyer.

The keep, a remarkable example of medieval military architecture

Erected in the 11th century by Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, the Loches keep is one of the oldest and most imposing in Europe, built to dominate the region. Later reinforced and enlarged, notably under Henry II Plantagenet, it served as a prison for many years, housing illustrious prisoners such as Ludovico Sforza and Cardinal de La Balue.

Visitors can admire the painted and engraved inscriptions, evidence of prison life in days gone by, and enjoy a panoramic view of Loches and the Indre valley from the top of the keep.

Hidden treasures: crypts and chapels

Château de Loches is also home to little-known gems that underline its religious importance, such as the 11th-century Crypt Saint-Ours, which houses the relics of Saint Ours. The collegiate church of Saint-Ours, with its two Romanesque pyramids dominating the nave, and the chapel of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, containing the tomb of Agnès Sorel, are also major sites of interest.

Permanent and temporary exhibitions to discover

The Château de Loches enriches the visitor experience with permanent and temporary exhibitions, such as "Le roi voyageur", retracing the movements of the kings of France to Loches and the Loire Valley, and "Le siège de 1205, comme si vous y étiez!", which uses augmented reality to re-enact the famous siege of the keep.

The Gardens of the Royal City of Loches: a green setting

The majestic Cité Royale de Loches is not just about buildings steeped in history. It is also home to picturesque hanging gardens, offering visitors a haven of peace and natural beauty. These green spaces offer magnificent views of Loches and the Indre valley, while immersing visitors in the historical and cultural significance of plants and gardens from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

A discovery trail takes you on a journey through time and space.

Discover the hanging gardens: a breathtaking view

Perched on the south side of the city, majestically overlooking the town, the Cité Royale's hanging gardens have occupied the site of the old fortifications since the 17th century. Structured into terraces connected by steps and paths, they offer spectacular views over the Indre valley, the keep, the collegiate church of Saint-Ours and the Saint-Antoine tower.

These gardens are a veritable spectacle of diversity, color and atmosphere, changing with the seasons and the time of day.

The symbolism of plants and gardens in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

Beyond their beauty, the Cité Royale's hanging gardens are a wellspring of culture and meaning. They are home to a variety of plants that played a crucial role in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, whether for their medicinal, aromatic, tinctorial, ornamental or symbolic virtues. These plants were used to heal, perfume, dye, decorate or convey messages.

The tour also offers an insight into the practices and symbolism of gardens of the period, such as the walled garden, the garden of love, the garden of the simple, or the garden of delights.

The tour: between relaxation and learning

The Hanging Gardens tour invites you to explore this unique site in an enriching way. You can choose between a self-guided tour, with a map and explanatory booklet, or a guided tour, accompanied by a cultural mediator.

Activities, workshops, lectures and shows are regularly offered to complete your experience. Rest areas, such as the pergola, lawn benches and live wicker hedges, are set up for your comfort and relaxation.

Cité Royale de Loches - Conclusion

The Royal City of Loches is an unmissable destination for anyone wishing to explore the Loire castles. This exceptional site invites you on a journey through time, allowing you to explore its castle, gardens and keep, all witnesses to a past both prestigious and tumultuous. The remarkable architecture, sumptuous decor, fascinating collections and captivating exhibitions offer a glimpse of the richness and diversity of the local heritage.

What's more, the Cité royale de Loches offers you the chance to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy breathtaking panoramas and take part in entertaining and educational activities. Don't miss this unique opportunity to visit the Royal City of Loches. Book your visit today and prepare to be charmed by this historic gem.

Royal City of Loches - FAQ

Who lived at Loches castle?

The Château de Loches, a 15th-century royal residence, has been home to many important historical figures. These include Charles VII, Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel, Louis XI, Anne de Bretagne with her husbands Charles VIII and Louis XII, and François I, who received the Emperor Charles V here in 1539. The château is also the birthplace of the Comtes d'Anjou family, with figures such as Foulques Nerra, builder of the keep, and Henry II Plantagenet, adversary of Philippe Auguste.

Who was imprisoned in Loches?

Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan and adversary of the Kings of France, is Loches' most famous prisoner. Captured at Novara in 1500, he was held in the Loches dungeon until his death in 1508.

Where to walk around Loches?

The area around Loches offers a variety of walks to suit all tastes. Among the must-sees is the Cité Royale de Loches, with its keep and royal dwelling, privileged witnesses to French history. The village of Chédigny, recognized as a "remarkable garden", seduces visitors with its flower-filled streets and bucolic atmosphere.

What are the inhabitants of Loches called?

The residents of Loches are called Lochois and Lochoises, a term derived from the Latin "locus", meaning place or location.