Do you love authentic historic towns? You'll love Loches! This medieval jewel of the Loire Valley, embraced by its ramparts, exudes history around every corner. Dominated by its impregnable citadel, Loches seduces visitors with its well-preserved architecture and charming cobbled streets. Listen carefully as they whisper their secrets of yesteryear! Ready to step back in time? From the dungeon to the collegiate church of Saint-Ours, and all the wonders of the past, discover the 13 must-do activities in Loches.
1. Stroll the cobbled streets of old Loches
Take a stroll through the charming cobbled streets of Loches, and you'll discover one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. How can you resist? Witness to the town's medieval past, the cobblestones litter the picturesque streets. Step by step, Loches reveals its fascinating history. Time has etched its rich past into its stones, inviting visitors to listen for the whisper of stories from the past. It's easy to see why Loches' charming alleyways are such a delight to stroll through!
Parents will be delighted to learn that this visit promises to be a lot of fun, even if you're wandering the town with children. What's in it for you? The town has set up a treasure hunt for youngsters aged 4 and over ! Armed with their booklet, they set off on a frenetic search for clues. It's a fun way to discover a city with the whole family, without getting bored!
2. The historic Cité Royale de Loches
Your stroll through the old town center leads you straight to the Cité Royale de Loches, whose splendor has stood the test of time. This medieval jewel stands proudly on the Place Charles VII. Erected on a rocky spur, it unveils its two emblematic monuments: the keep and the royal dwelling, witnesses to five centuries of history, from the XIᵉ to the XVIᵉ century.
Transformed over the centuries, this site was once a château comtal, a royal fortress, then a high-ranking prison. To the north, the logis royal, built by Louis Iᵉʳ d'Anjou in the XIVᵉ century, welcomed Charles VII and Joan of Arc in 1429. Now owned by the Conseil départemental d'Indre-et-Loire, the Cité Royale de Loches can be visited all year round.
3. Admire the citadel ramparts
Surrounding the Cité Royale, the ramparts reveal all their majesty during a stroll in the sunshine. Perfectly preserved, they offer a glimpse of the fortifications put in place during the high points ofIndre-et-Loire's history. Numerous gates, also in a perfect state of preservation, allow you to enter the Cité. On foot, by gyropod or even from the skies by helicopter, the ramparts can be explored in a variety of ways. Your steps will lead you to the keep, the dwelling, the medieval gates and all the treasures of the old town.
Tip by Petit Futé : don't hesitate to cross the hill on your way to discover a historic barn.
4. A fascinating visit to the Loches dungeon
The keep, built between 1013 and 1035, is one of the best preserved from theRomanesque period, marked by sieges during the conflicts between the Capetians and the Plantagenets. Open all year round, it offers a real plunge into Touraine's past. Guided tours and educational activities have been designed to enable everyone to learn the historical secrets of this legendary city.
Residence of the Count's family, the keep reveals its multi-faceted floors: storerooms on the first floor, public life on the first, private apartments on the second, and finally, a defensive top floor with a wooden gallery to guard against attack. A visit rich in history awaits you!
5. The city's most beautiful period gates
As you stroll along the ramparts and into the heart of the town, you'll have the chance to admire some superb period gates:
- the Porte Royale,
- the Porte Picois,
- the Porte des Cordeliers.
Imposing and unmissable, the Porte Royale plunges you for a moment into the shoes of the historical figures of yesteryear. Once in the heart of the town, the Porte Picois, nestled against the Hôtel de Ville, completes your immersion in Loches' medieval past. Finally, with its air of a mini-dungeon, the Porte des Cordeliers, named after the former XIIIᵉ century convent, protected this side of the town. They're all as superb as they are well-preserved!
6. Visit the Saint-Ours de Loches collegiate church
In the heart of the royal city of Loches, you'll find the collegiate church of Saint-Ours, built in the XIᵉ century by Foulques Nerra. The original dedication to Notre-Dame, housing the precious relic of the Virgin's belt, bears witness to its rich history. Remarkably restored in the XIIᵉ century, it houses a polychrome sculpted portal and two octagonal pyramids unique in France, known as "dubes".
The collegiate church also features the recently restored, sumptuous tomb of Agnès Sorel, the first official favorite of Charles VII. Restoration work, due to start in late 2023, will breathe new life into this architectural and historical treasure.
7. The Lansyer house-museum and its romantic garden
This time, it's a plunge into art that awaits you at the Musée Lansyer, housed in the former home of Emmanuel Lansyer. You'll discover the works of this XIXᵉ century landscape painter, in the museum opened in 1902, as the artist himself wished. While the house and furnishings are already superb, there are no fewer than 8,000 objects bequeathed by the artist to the town of Loches for you to admire. The adjoining romantic garden, modeled after one of Lansyer's works, invites contemplation. As an added bonus, families can enjoyplayful and sensory installations, adding a touch of originality to their visit.
8. La Chancellerie, cultural heritage in the spotlight
La Chancellerie de Loches, built in 1551 in a Renaissance style inspired by Michelangelo, inevitably draws you in with its exceptional facade. Home to the Centre d'interprétation de l'architecture et du patrimoine (Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center), the building has been awarded the Villes et Pays d'art et d'histoire label. Open to the public, the first floor features a permanent exhibition recounting the history of Loches. Interesting and free: we love it!
In addition to the Chancellery, the courtyard and dedicated areas host exhibitions and events. We also invite you to discover the pretty adjoining garden, laid out as an amphitheater. If you're lucky, you might even catch a show.
9. Relaxation in the Loches public garden
Welcome to a green setting, with the superb Loches Citadel in the background! It's an inviting place to escape and let go. Perfectly preserved, these lush gardens are home to colorful flowers and pleasantly shady trees, in an atmosphere conducive to strolling. It's the ideal place for a family picnic, punctuated by a stroll around the children's playground.
In summer, the garden becomes the setting forexhibitions and concerts, adding a cultural dimension to this haven of greenery.
Tip : ask the tourist office for the Loches walking itinerary, and include this bucolic discovery in your walk. A real treat!
10. Natureo water park, for a family day out
Have fun with the whole family at the Natureo water park, designed to delight young and old alike. More than just a pool, the complex includes a play area, a pentagliss and plenty of other surprises. 2024 has an original new activity in store for you: try your hand at underwater scootering! A paddling pool and aquatic play area will keep children entertained all year round. In summer, the outdoors is open to you to complete your experience. A large ecological pool welcomes you, along with a rest area surrounded by greenery. A place that's well worth a visit!
11. Discover the local gastronomy
Touraine is full of local specialities to delight gourmets. Have you ever seen this little pyramid-shaped goat's cheese? It's called Valençay, and it's a must-try local specialty. Tasted on toast as an aperitif, it's a pure delight! As for charcuterie, rillons de Touraine are a culinary delight. Let us know how you get on with these caramelized pork cubes! Now for the main course: Beuchelle, a sweetbread-based dish. Let's end on a high note with a sweet speciality: nougat from Tours. But no! It's not nougat, but a cake, made with apricots and various candied fruits.
Come on, because we're generous (or greedy), here are a few more local specialties:
- Géline de Touraine, a rustic hen cooked with taste.
- Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine PDO goat's cheese.
- Rillettes de Tours, which have nothing to envy those from Le Mans.
- Fouace, a delicious little brioche.
- Fish rillettes.
- Andouillette with Vouvray.
- Tarte du vigneron, with apple and wine confit.
- Cormery macaroons.
Bon appétit!
12. A walk in the Loches state forest
Here you are, in the heart of one of France's top 10 forests, ideal for couples and families alike! Whether by bike, on horseback or simply on foot, the Loches state forest is the perfect place for a breath of fresh air. Perfectly signposted, it offers an ideal playground for nature walkers. But beware! Nature is king here. Wild animals inhabit the forest, giving you the chance to come across hinds, deer and roe deer.
A zone dedicated to wood management and biodiversity, this immense forest is the perfect place for a stroll, punctuated by a few unusual discoveries:
- The 4 pyramids, landmarks dedicated to hunting with hounds.
- The Orfonds fountain.
- The Saint-Jean du Liget chapel, with its fine Romanesque frescoes.
- The Pas aux ânes pond, covering more than 6 hectares
A little background information: 30 oak trees were harvested here to rebuild the framework of Notre-Dame de Paris.
13. Fill up on local produce at the Loches market
The Loches market is reputed to be one of the most important in Touraine. Suffice to say, it's well worth spending an hour or two there! For lovers of local produce, the market is a must twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday, from 8am to 1pm. The people of Loch themselves love their market, which is as colorful as you can imagine and full of local produce.
between 80 and 100 traders offer their best local farm produce. Emblematic specialties such as Touraine géline and PDO Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat's cheese will delight your taste buds. Market gardeners, fishmongers, butchers, cheesemongers and other artisans are on hand to reveal their local know-how.
Where to stay in Loches?
The ideal stress-free way to visit Loches is to find a quiet establishment in the town center. I promise, they do exist! Often with a privileged view of the Citadelle, they offer an ideal base close to the town's points of interest.
- The most typical
Set down your suitcases at the foot of the ramparts, at the incomparably charming Closerie Saint-Jacques. In a historic style faithful to the houses of yesteryear, yet modern and well-equipped, this establishment promises a 100% change of scenery: click here to book your stay.
- The best value for money
When you stay at the George, you're choosing a recently renovated and updated hotel, which you can book here. For the right price, you'll enjoy modern facilities and optimum comfort. Bistronomic cuisine rounds out the services offered by this interesting establishment in Loches.
- The best location
Make yourself at home in one of the comfortable apartments at Le Moulin des Cordeliers, a must-see in Loches. Facing the Cité Royale and bordering the Indre river, this establishment invites you to contemplate and let go. You can book your stay in just a few clicks right here !
Prefer the great outdoors? There are a number of lovely campsites in and around Loches.
How to visit Loches in 1 day?
It's possible to visit Loches in 1 day, because most of the attractions are in one place: the Citadelle. Start your visit to Loches by discovering the Cité Royale. The Logis Royal, the dungeon, the underground passages and the adjoining garden will take you all morning, if you want to make the most of it. After this historic visit, head for one of Loches' fine restaurants, such as P'tit Restau or Le Prosper, to name but a few.
The afternoon begins at the collegiate church of Saint-Ours, whose history never ceases to fascinate us. Finally, end your visit at the Lansyer museum or, for those not interested in art, at the Loches public garden.
To remember : a little outside town, on your way home, don't hesitate to push open the doors of the succulent Hallard confectionery.
What to do in Loches when it rains?
Natureo awaits you and your family on rainy days! The many activities on offer at the complex make it the place to be when it rains in Loches.
Visiting the town as a couple? Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at Spa les Bains Douches, located rue du Sanitas. On the program: spa, hammam, pool and treatments. It's the perfect way to indulge in 100% well-being, instead of stressing about the weather!
You can also reserve a visit to the collegiate church of Saint-Ours for a rainy day. In between showers, it promises to be an interesting visit. Another interesting religious building to visit is the Eglise Saint-Antoine, magnificently restored and home to some fine works of art.
On the art side, the Musée Lansyer is also an ideal rainy-weather stopping-off point. Immersed in the heart of culture, the thousands of works and objects on display reveal their secrets when the weather's not cooperating. Admittedly, this will make visiting the garden more difficult, but there's nothing to stop you coming back later or admiring it from inside the house. Is it still raining? This could be the perfect time to get out of town for a while and indulge your inner gourmand at the famous Hallard confectionery!
Enjoying a vacation in the Loire Valley? Then you've probably already visited the 15 must-sees in Tours! Make the most of your weekend in Tours and Touraine to visit Loches and its medieval wonders. The city is absolutely magical! The surrounding area is also full of beautiful nature walks, so don't hesitate to explore further... Your stay promises to be full of wonderful surprises.
