Loches, Part Deux

As I mentioned, Loches sits on a high spot in the valley of the Indre River commanding wonderful views of the town below, the river, and the valley and heights around for miles. Actually, it's the old medieval city that sits on the bluff, with the newer town around its flanks below.

The photo (above) shows the church of St. Ours, in the middle of the medieval town. Construction began sometime in the 12th century, I think, with more added up until the 15ht century. The two conical structures between the steeple towers are hollow and are called dubes.

Above, the donjon of Loches rises amazingly high. It was built here in the 11th century by Foulques Nerra. It's a fascinating example of medieval architecture and worth the entry fee to climb around in.

You can scramble up to the top of the tower for amazing views, see the rooms in and around the complex, and climb deep down into the bowels of the fortress, where prisoners are thought to have been kept. There is also a very nicely restored garden on the ground level.

There is also a renaissance château in the citadel, well worth visiting, that holds paintings, furniture, tapestries, and suits of armour. The body of Agnes Sorrel once rested there, but it was moved into the church of St. Ours in 2005.

Above, the tower of St. Antoine rises up from the lower town. Loches is an amazing place where you can spend a whole day (including lunch, of course) if you're so inclined.