The royal city of Loches is a pearl of the Loire Valley, transporting you back to the history of France. With its imposing fortress, preserved architectural heritage, picturesque alleyways and charming green spaces, you'll have no time to get bored!
Discover our ideas for what to do in Loches, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go there.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the Royal City of Loches worth a visit?
The Royal City of Loches is well worth a visit! We were impressed by this exceptionally well-preserved medieval fortress, where French history comes to life. You'll discover an architectural heritage with no fewer than 26 listed buildings.
Alongside the fortified town, the new town, sub-prefecture of Indre et Loire, adds vitality to make Loches a beautiful stopover on the Loire.
It's one of the most beautiful towns in the Loire Valley!
1. Taking in the sights at Loches dungeon
The Loches keep impressed us as soon as we approached the royal city.
A masterpiece of Romanesque military architecture built by Foulques Nerra around the year 1000, this 37-metre master tower is one of the most imposing and best-preserved in Europe. We were captivated by the history of this fortress, which was the scene of battles between the Capetians and Plantagenets, before becoming a fearsome state prison. The highlight of your visit will be the climb to the summit to admire a sublime panorama of the town and the Indre valley.
- Open every day from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Prices: €12.50 (full price), €10.50 (7-18yrs)
- HistoPad© included in the tour, with treasure hunt for children
- More information on the official website here
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2. Discover the Logis Royal, residence of Charles VII and Agnès Sorel
At the top of the Cité Royale, the Logis Royal dominates the Indre valley and bears witness to the splendor of Renaissance royal residences. A jewel of Gothic and Flamboyant Gothic architecture, this favorite residence of the Valois dynasty has seen some of the greatest names in French history pass through its doors. Here lived Charles VII and his famous favorite, Agnès Sorel, the first official mistress of a French king. We loved immersing ourselves in the intimacy of the royal court and the panoramic views from the castle.
The site's masterpiece? The Virgin and Child from the Melun Diptych, painted by Jean Fouquet around 1452 (photo below).
- Open daily from 09:30 to 18:00
- Combined ticket with the dungeon
- More information on the official website here
3. Admire the Collégiale Saint-Ours
Don't miss the collegiate church of Saint-Ours, a true Romanesque gem in the heart of the Royal City of Loches. You'll be captivated by its sculpted portal, populated by fantastic animals, and its astonishing octagonal pyramid-shaped vaults, known as "dubes", unique in France. Inside, we were moved by the sumptuous recumbent statue of Agnès Sorel, favorite of Charles VII, whose elegant white alabaster silhouette stands out against a black marble base.
- Open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Free access
- Find out more here
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Explore the picturesque streets of the old town
We enjoyed wandering through the cobbled streets of Loches' old town. With their authentic cobblestones, these small medieval streets transported us into the atmosphere of yesteryear. As you stroll along, you'll discover small stores selling local crafts and welcoming cafés.
Take the time to look up and admire the architectural details that adorn the facades of these homes steeped in history.
5. Stroll along the ramparts
Take the time to stroll along the fortifications of the Cité Royale! Not only will you understand the strategic importance of this stronghold, but you'll also appreciate the green setting that this trail offers.
- Free access
- Panoramic views of the valley
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
6. Discover the Lansyer Museum collections
The Lansyer Museum charmed us with its intimate atmosphere! This 19th-century residence, with its romantic English garden, plunges us into the world of painter Emmanuel Lansyer, a pupil of Gustave Courbet. We were struck by the unspoilt ambience of the first floor rooms, which bring us closer to the artist's daily life. His works take you on a journey from the forest of Fontainebleau to the Normandy coast, from Breton seascapes to the streets of Loches...
- Open daily from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 5:45pm
- Free access
- More information on the city's website here
7. Admire the panorama from the public garden
The Loches public garden seduced us as soon as we entered this haven of greenery created at the beginning of the 20th century. Designed in the spirit of 19th-century botanical gardens, this English-style park is enchanting with its remarkable trees, flower beds and water features. We particularly liked the bandstand, which adds an old-fashioned charm to the whole. You'll quickly realize that the main attraction isn't just the plants: the exceptional panorama of the Cité royale and the Saint-Ours district is also worth the detour!
- Free access 10min from downtown
- Open daily from 8am to 10pm, variable in winter
8. Visit Saint-Antoine church and gallery
Saint-Antoine church surprised us with its singular history, built in 1812 in the former refectory of the Ursuline convent. This fully restored "church-museum" houses a wealth of artistic treasures. The Galerie Saint-Antoine completes this exceptional ensemble with two paintings attributed to Caravaggio: "The Last Supper at Emmaus" and "The Incredulity of Saint Thomas", acquired by Philippe de Béthune. You'll also discover Jean Poyer's precious 15th-century triptych, as well as other ecclesiastical objects of rare beauty, making this place an artistic showcase not to be missed.
- Free admission all year round
- Gallery daily from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
- More details on the works here
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
9. Discover the rest of the city's incredible heritage
Loches' architectural heritage amazed us with its richness and diversity! As you enter the city, you'll be dazzled first by the Royal Gate, built in the XIVᵉ century. It was used to defend access to the fortress and is now one of the city's most emblematic landmarks.
You can also admire theTown Hall, a true Renaissance masterpiece, or the Chancellery, with its impressive facade directly inspired by the Laurentian Library in Florence. You'll also discover the Maison du Centaure, with its remarkable bas-relief, and some twenty Renaissance facades to admire as you stroll along.
- Open all year round
- Heritage tours available from the Tourist Office
- Find out more here
10. Discover Chenonceaux
Why not take advantage of your stay in Loches to visit this jewel of the French Renaissance, just 30 minutes away?
A visit to the Château de Chenonceaux is a must in the Loire Valley!
It's one of our favorite castles! We particularly enjoyed the castle's play of light and reflections on the Cher river. The fact that it is built on the river allows for beautiful views from most of the rooms. Speaking of the interior, we loved the richness of the ceilings, decorations, and furnishings.
- The museum is open every day, usually between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Full adult price: €19.50, children €14.50 (audioguide included)
- Read more in our dedicated article
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Excursions around Loches
Loches is close to a number of remarkable sites that are the perfect complement to your stay in the region.
Discover the charm of the villages around Loches
The town is on the doorstep of several villages classified as Plus Beaux Villages de France: Montrésor, Chédigny, Candes-Saint-Martin.
Take a timeless break through the cobbled streets of these villages and discover the famous Touraine gentle way of life.
A breath of fresh air in the Loches forest
In addition to the town's many green spaces (more information here), the Loches state forest offers magnificent hiking trails and unspoilt natural areas to recharge your batteries in the heart of the Touraine countryside.
Find out more on the official website here.
A historic leap forward at Le Grand Pressigny
A former medieval fortress, of which only the keep is still visible, Château du Grand-Pressigny was transformed into a dwelling by a cousin of François I in the mid-16th century. The building's renaissance gallery now houses the rich prehistory museum and its collection of carved flints.
Children will particularly appreciate the prehistoric animal models in the château courtyard.
How to get to Loches + parking
Where is Loches
- In the Loire Valley region
- 45min drive from Tours
- 2h30 drive from Paris
Here's a map of Loire towns to help you find your way around:
How to get there
Loches is about 40 km southeast of Tours, on the D943. This expressway serves the city directly.
From Tours station, you can take a TER train to Loches. The journey takes about 50 minutes. It's a 10-minute walk from the station to the Cité Royale.
Parking in Loches
Several parking lots are available outside the royal city.
We found the Parking des Fossés-Saint-Ours in the center of town very convenient, but as it's free, spaces are scarce!
Useful tips for visiting Loches
How long and when?
Allow a full day to visit the royal city and stroll around. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for enjoying the site to the full.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
As the city is not very large, you'll be able to do everything on foot.
You can spend the morning exploring the Royal Dwelling and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the ramparts and head for the keep and its adjoining park for a panoramic view.
Please note, however, that the tour includes stairs and gradients, so bring good shoes.
Visiting with children
Children will love the HistoPad© treasure hunt in the dungeon and the climb to the top of the tower. The public garden is also a popular place for families to relax. Last but not least, a stroll along the cobbled streets and ramparts is sure to please even the youngest visitors!
Restaurants
We haven't yet tested the restaurants in Loches. But on our list, there's the Restaurant du Presbytère in Loches for a drink in a bucolic setting, and the Arbore & Sens gourmet restaurant for an original taste experience!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
