The city of Loches is actually two cities. The medieval château, the church of Saint-Ours, the renaissance royal residence, and many private residences are built on a rocky promontory above the Indre River. Below, on the flanks of the higher city and in the river valley itself, is where Loches expanded and grew in the centuries after its founding.
This is a view of a section of the ramparts that protected the Cité royale (royal city) up on the promontory. There is only one gate that leads up and into the highest part of the city. Other gates were built in the walls of the lower city as it expanded below.
I didn't know much about the history of Loches when I first started going there. My photos are random snapshots of what I saw while wandering around, without rhyme or reason. Since then I've learned a little more about what I was seeing and why it's there.
It looks like the more contemporary area is also very picturesque.
ReplyDeleteAh! Another view I'll be adding to the French-4 experience!
ReplyDeleteWell-positioned shot! Loche is on my list of places to see - I've never been there.
ReplyDeleteWe once stayed in Bléré in a B and B (Le moulin du fief gentil). We asked our hosts for local travel advice and they highly recommended a visit to nearby Loches. We’d never even heard of the town and we went somewhat reluctantly. It turned out to be one of our best excursions in France. It’s quite a gem.
ReplyDeleteMerci pour les photos et les beaux souvenirs !
mitch, it's a pretty place, for sure.
ReplyDeletejudy, almost makes me wish I was in high school again! Almost.
mary, I hope you get to go some time!
dean, hey! Good to hear from you. It's been a while since I've been to Loches. Maybe this spring or summer I'll go again.