Loches
is a very pleasant medieval riverside town in
the department of
Indre-et-Loire, southeast of Tours, on the left bank of the Indre
River. It has a medieval
complex which includes a dungeon, a royal residence and a collegiate
church. Your first impression will be of a town steeped in history yet
having a freshness that belies its age.
Its
chateau and
dungeon are easily accessible and well worth a visit - learn of the
Richard the Lionheart connection.
The ‘Petit’ train
takes tourists round the town several times a day, allowing them to take
in the many monuments and interesting facts of
Loches. The town is renowned for its tourist attractions... an
outdoor summer opera festival, classical, jazz and rock concerts, 'son
et lumiere' performances and medieval nocturnal markets.
The town has many
fine bistros and restaurants. Gourmet cafe terraces, shops of all
kinds, a small well stocked supermarket, a post office, a pharmacy and
bank are all at hand.
It
also has a very popular biweekly fresh produce market (sat & wed).
There is a beautiful park on the other side of
the river which looks up to the chateau and you should seek it out
for its bandstand and floral displays as they make for great
photo opportunities.
The river Indre
runs through the town – its twisting current making it challenging for
anglers who like to fish along the banks, right in the heart of town. It
also gives the town additional character and appeal.
Within easy walking distance there are
2 museums, municipal tennis courts and outdoor /indoor swimming pools
which have breathtaking views over the chateau and medieval city.
The Caravaggio controversy:
Two paintings discovered discarded in a church organ loft in 2006, in the town, were identified on an inventory as original Caravaggio's and reputed to be worth up to £50 million each !
Although initially authenticated as originals various experts have since doubted the pictures are by him. This has not stopped Loches promoting itself as a 'Caravaggio town' and they can be viewed near where they were discovered at the church of Saint-Antoine during 2010.
Is the Renaissance rascal overtaking Michelangelo in the popularity stakes? Check out article here... http://www.nytimes.com/
The town has a good range of festivals throughout the tourist season:
click here for more information
