castles around Loches

Start your castle tour around Loches by the indispensable royal city of Loches, an iconic site with medieval overtones.

Here, five centuries of history await you, nestled in the heart of an exceptional heritage. The complex includes two major buildings The keep and the royal residence. It's impossible to miss the imposing silhouette of the keep, rising to a height of 37 meters. This building has stood the test of time, changing its purpose: successively a count's castle, a defensive fortress, and then a state prison.

A little further, the royal lodging You will be charmed by its Gothic elegance. You will discover the oratory designed during the time of the Anne of Brittany's stay, queen of France, who left her mark on the history of the place.

Before hitting the road again, take some time to stroll through the medieval garden. A true haven of greenery, this peaceful space enhances the entire architectural ensemble. It's the perfect place for a quiet break with family or friends, surrounded by natural beauty and serenity. Quite an experience!

For this second day of our getaway in the southern Touraine, focusing on two jewels of regional heritage: the Montpoupon castles and of Montrésor.

Le Montpoupon castle invites you to discover the daily life of an aristocratic family through richly furnished rooms: traditional kitchen with copper utensils, period dining room, private bedrooms… The immersion continues with a visit to the museum dedicated to hunting, spread over some thirty rooms, highlighting the artisanal know-how linked to stag hunting.

Finally, take some time to stroll through the wooded and verdant park, bordered by a pond. A forest walk marked with explanatory panels offers a different perspective on the estate while introducing you to local biodiversity.

Continue your day by going to Montrésor Castlenestled in the heart of a certified village "Most Beautiful Village in France"This elegant castle, a true historical gem, unveils nearly a thousand years of history through a captivating tour. Successively a medieval fortress, a Renaissance residence, and then a home furnished in the Second Empire style, it was carefully restored by Count Xavier Branicki, a Polish nobleman who settled in Montrésor in the 19th century. Inside, the rooms, decorated as they were in the Count's time, offer a striking journey back in time. Outside, the romantic park, populated with majestic trees, invites you for a peaceful stroll. panoramic view over the Indrois valley.

A new day of exploration begins then, heading towards the Saint-Martin church in Nouans-les-Fontainesfamous for housing the Nouans Pietà, a wooden sculpture by Jean Fouquet. You can discover this artistic treasure on a self-guided or guided tour to better appreciate all its details.

Your stay around Loches is almost over, but before you go home, you absolutely must visit the castle of Grand-Pressigny, an unmissable place which houses a very beautiful museum dedicated to prehistory in France.

The construction of the castle, with its imposing keep, was completed between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Over the centuries, several owners succeeded one another, transforming the fortress into an elegant Renaissance castle under the impetus of Marquis Honorat de Savoie-Villars.

Although partially destroyed in the 19th century, the site saw the establishment of the Museum of Prehistory in the Renaissance gallery in 1955. Since its renovation in 2009, the museum welcomes you to a modernized building, where you can admire a rich collection of prehistoric artifacts. The whole family will love it!