Loches is a town in Centre-Val de Loire in France.
Located at the heart of the Loire Valley, land of many castles, the charming town of Loches is classed as one of the most beautiful sites in France ("Plus Beaux Détours de France") and a "Town of Art and History". This citadel town, whose story goes back a thousand years, has an amazing medieval castle within its walls. With its paved streets, Tuffeau stone façades and intertwined roofs, it's a delightful place to stroll around.
Around 10 buses or trains link Loches from Tours everyday. The journey takes around one hour. More information on the SNCF website.
Driving from Tours takes around 45 minutes on the D943 road.
The best way to go around the city is on foot. However, you need to be aware of the many uphill and downhill streets.
Riding a bike might be a little tricky as most of the city-center streets are cobbed roads.
You could also go for a ride on the touristic train (5 times a day from June to September, more information at the Tourist Office).
The town lies at the foot of the rocky eminence on which stands the Château de Loches, the castle of the Anjou family, surrounded by an outer wall 13 ft (4 m) thick, and consisting of the old collegiate church of St Ours, the royal lodge and the donjon.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division