Aerial view of historic center of Loches town overlooking ancient Chateau of Anjou family with collegiate church, royal lodge and donjon.

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Cité Royale de Loches

Top choice in Touraine


Loches’ vast hilltop citadel is the size of a small town – a few lucky people even live here! Inside you can visit the Logis Royal and the Donjon et Cachots – the same ticket is good for both – and a Romanesque church. The ensemble is great for kids who are into knights, castles and dungeons.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Touraine attractions

1. Logis Royal

0.02 MILES

At the northern end of the Cité Royale stands the royal residence of Charles VII and his successors, originally built as a medieval fortress but later…

2. Collégiale St-Ours

0.03 MILES

This Romanesque church, in the Cité Royale near the Logis Royal, contains the tomb of Agnès Sorel, Charles VII’s mistress, who lived in the château during…

3. Maison-Musée Lansyer

0.04 MILES

The family home of landscape painter Emmanuel Lansyer (1835–93) is now a museum displaying more than 100 of his paintings, his collection of Japanese art,…

4. Donjon et Cachots

0.18 MILES

At the southern end of the Cité Royale, the rectangular, 36m-high Donjon (Tour Carrée; defensive tower) was Loches’ original medieval stronghold, built…

5. Château de Montrésor

9.76 MILES

This quirky château is still furnished much as it was 150 years ago when it belonged to Polish count, financier, railroad magnate and friend-of-Napoleon…

6. Château de Montpoupon

10.98 MILES

Idyllically situated amid rolling countryside near Céré-la-Ronde, this turreted château, furnished by the family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries…

7. Château de Chenonceau

14.07 MILES

Spanning the languid Cher River atop a graceful arched bridge, Chenonceau is one of France's most elegant châteaux. It's hard not to be moved and…

8. Caves Monmousseau

17.68 MILES

Perched quietly beneath an imposing 12th-century donjon (keep), the town of Montrichard, 9km east of Chenonceau, is a perfect spot for a fizzy break. Just…

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