Visiting Loches and its surroundings in Southern Touraine

The beautiful town of Loches, which has around 7,500 inhabitants, is located in the Sud Touraine area, in the Indre-et-Loire department of the Centre-Val de Loire region. This territory became a dairy land following the creation of creameries (including the Verneuil dairy, which still exists today) after the phylloxera epidemic led winemakers to abandon their vines in favor of dairy farming.

We went there for an extended weekend for the first time with my favorite photographer in July 2022, and I must say that we completely fell under the spell of this city with its remarkable heritage, certified as a “City of Art and History”. It offers a journey through time, at the heart of over 1,000 years of history! We later returned with some blogger friends in May 2026. This article brings together the discoveries we made during these two escapes to Touraine.

View of the Clock Tower of Loches through colorful flowers.

Mythical bird sculpture in front of the church at the Cité Royale de Loches.

Woman in front of a house with purple shutters in Chédigny, near Loches.

View of Loches from the Cité Royale by a visitor.

Keep and tower of the Château de Loches, viewed from the outside, framed by trees.

Woman resting on a white bench under the greenery in Chédigny, Sud Touraine.

Panorama of the medieval city of Loches and its keep seen from the heights with the churches in the background.

Panoramic view of the rooftops of Loches from the fortress, woman looking at the landscape.

Hiking by the water near Loches, woman sitting on a stone bench looking at the lake.

Practical Information

Getting there by train from Paris:

The town is easily accessible from Paris by train via Montparnasse station. You need to take a TGV to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station and then take a connection (TER) to Loches.
During our stay in 2022, things were a bit more complicated because the railway line leading to Loches was under construction. We therefore had to travel to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps and rent a car to get to Loches (which is more convenient if you wish to travel around the area afterwards, for example).

Table of Contents

What to do and see in Loches?

The town of Loches, which is one of the most beautiful fortified cities in France, developed around a natural rocky spur where people have settled since at least the Gallo-Roman era. In the Middle Ages, the Counts of Anjou built a fortress here, and after 1205, following its capture by Philippe Auguste, it became a “royal city” and housed a royal residence where kings from Charles VII to François I would stay. Today, it preserves the remnants of three major historical periods that marked its urban development: the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 19th century.

Also, don’t hesitate to stop by the tourist office to pick up some (free) documentation to follow the five mapped trails in the town, which will allow you to discover the history of Loches through key moments: the discovery circuit, the Foulques Nerra circuit, the François I circuit, the Alfred de Vigny circuit, and the Agnès Sorel circuit.

My photo tip: for a beautiful view of the medieval city, I recommend going to the Jardin Public de Loches (5 chemin de la Prairie-de-la-Foire) which is located on the other side of the Indre river and below the fortress.

Belfry of Loches seen through colorful summer flowers.

Cobblestone alley in Loches with a woman sitting on the steps of an old building.

Entrance gate and towers of the Cité Royale de Loches under a blue sky.

Street in Loches with the cliff, the Lansyer Museum, and a tourist.

Cobblestone path under the arch near the medieval fortress of Loches.

Entrance to the Cité Royale de Loches, Town Hall and Belfry.

Public garden of Loches with a view of the Cité Royale and the Saint-Ours church.

Close-up of a bright orange flower in the public garden of Loches, Sud Touraine.

Reflection of the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church of Loches in a pond in the public garden.

Loches Touraine Châteaux de la Loire Tourist Office
Place de la Marne, 37600 Loches
Link to the Tourist Office website

Strolling through the ancient medieval fortress of Loches

First of all, I recommend going for a walk in the ancient medieval fortress of Loches, one of the best-preserved in Europe, by passing through the Royal Gate. You can visit the dungeon, the royal residence, and the Lansyer Museum, which I talk about in more detail below in the article. This upper part of the town is accessible for free and at your leisure, but it can be a bit complicated in terms of accessibility, because it is quite a steep climb.

Also, don’t miss a stop at the Saint-Ours Collegiate Church, built in the 12th century, to admire the tomb of Agnès Sorel, a very beautiful alabaster recumbent statue (free access all year round). The historic core of this commercial town on the old road that connected Paris to Spain is also very well preserved and keeps some beautiful architectural testaments.

Medieval turret of Loches with a flag bearing the fleur-de-lys under the blue sky.

Medieval stone staircase, natural light and fleur-de-lys flag in Loches.

Royal Gate of Loches, entrance to the medieval Royal City, Sud Touraine.

Facade of the Saint-Ours Church of Loches with Romanesque portal and conical roof.

Romanesque sculpted portal of the Saint-Ours Church of Loches, entrance to the Royal City.

Saint-Ours Church of Loches and its sunny garden.

Tomb of Duchess Anne of Brittany in the Saint-Ours Church of Loches.

Visiting the Royal City of Loches

The Royal City is today the property of the Indre-et-Loire Departmental Council and is open to visitors. Its scenographic path allows you to discover 500 years of French history with tactile models, projections, video animations, audio milestones… The complex that makes up the Royal City consists of 3 poles: the defensive pole with the Dungeon, the residential pole with the Royal Residence, and the religious pole with the Collegiate Church. With the entry ticket, you can visit the following two monuments: the Dungeon and the Royal Residence (the Collegiate Church being accessible for free without a ticket).

Royal City of Loches and gardens under a blue sky.

Smiling woman posing in the Royal City of Loches with historical towers and gardens in the background.

Detail of a medieval tapestry at the Royal City of Loches depicting a winged stag, Saint Michael and flowers.

The Dungeon

This imposing 37-meter-high keep was built in the 11th century by the Count of Anjou Foulques Nerra and is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. It served alternately as a residential and defensive fortress and later as a State prison at the end of the Middle Ages. During your visit, don’t miss the medieval-inspired garden, reconstructed at the foot of the keep. I must also warn you that the tour of the main tower of the keep is quite a workout (there are many steps and 3 levels) and can perhaps be a little overwhelming if you suffer from vertigo. However, when you reach the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the surroundings.

The keep is visited with an Histopad, a tablet with 360° augmented reality that allows you to see the keep as it was in medieval times and immerse yourself in its history. During the tour, you also gain access to the New Tower, the Martelet Tower, as well as the dungeon of Ludovico Sforza. The New Tower was also a prison, and you can still discover engraved and painted traces left by the prisoners there. Finally, don’t miss the Hall of the Duel with its bas-reliefs, which are a remarkable element of this period.

Ancient graffiti engraved on the stone walls of the Château de Loches.

Interactive tour in the Guard Room of the Cité Royale de Loches.

Underground tour in the medieval remains of the Château de Loches.

Wooden staircase leading to the outer ramparts of the Château de Loches.

Dark interior of the Château de Loches Keep with a stone staircase and visitor.

Dark interior of the medieval fortress of the Château de Loches with a metal walkway.

Roof of the Loches fortress with a visitor and blue sky.

Château de Loches keep and gardens with a paved path under a blue sky.

Sunny garden with a gravel path near the medieval fortress of Loches.

Lush green walkway in the gardens of the Cité Royale de Loches.

Medieval garden of the Château de Loches with a green archway and stone walls.

Fortified medieval keep of Loches with its stone ramparts and main entrance under a blue sky.

Tourist observing the town of Loches and its medieval keep through a panoramic telescope.

Keep and medieval ramparts of the Château de Loches bathed in sunshine.

The Royal Lodgings

The Royal Lodgings is a high place in French history and was the favorite residence of the Valois dynasty (between Charles VII and Louis XII), which welcomed three important female figures: Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel, and Anne of Brittany. The royal power had the desire to make Loches a second capital in the 15th century. It is also an architectural jewel built in the flamboyant Gothic style at the end of the 14th century. Its beautiful facade overlooks the town of Loches and the Indre River. You can also admire the oratory of Anne of Brittany, a small architectural gem, once again in the flamboyant Gothic style.

During our visit in 2022, we were able to discover a temporary exhibition on Agnès Sorel, favorite of King Charles VII: “Agnès Sorel, the influencer”, on the occasion of the sixth centenary of her birth. The opportunity to discover the personality and the influence exerted by this woman of legendary beauty.

Cité Royale de Loches, medieval castle seen through blue flowers in the foreground.

Church steeple of Loches seen through the foliage of green trees.

Part of the Cité Royale de Loches with a view of the Saint-Gatien tower.

Guided tour of the Cité Royale de Loches with the Saint-Ours church in the background.

Religious painting of two men at the Cité Royale de Loches.

View from the medieval fortress of Loches over the town and countryside.

View through an embrasure of the towers of the Cité Royale de Loches and the Saint-Pierre church.

Historic tapestry exhibited in the Cité Royale de Loches representing a court scene with medieval characters.

Tourists visiting the medieval room with tapestry and exposed beam ceiling in the Cité Royale de Loches.

Marble sculpture of a woman embracing a man at the Cité Royale de Loches.

Interior of the Cité Royale de Loches with scallop shell walls and stained glass window.

Visited in 2022 and 2026

Cité royale de Loches
5 Place Charles VII 37600 Loches
open every day of the year except January 1st and December 25th
Prices (ticket valid for both monuments): 10,50 € / 8,50 € reduced / free for -7s and job seekers
Link to the Cité royale website

Visit the Lansyer Museum

This small and charming museum located in the heart of the cité royale de Loches is dedicated to the 19th-century landscape painter Emmanuel Lansyer (1835-1893), who bequeathed his family home and collection to the town of Loches. Since 1902, it has presented paintings and engravings by the artist in his former home, but also personal items belonging to the painter and Japanese objects that he collected. It was an opportunity for me to discover this independent artist who loved painting nature and who was a student of Viollet-le-Duc and Courbet.

I recommend that you take a short tour of the museum and also don’t miss a walk in the small romantic garden of the house (free access during museum opening hours), redesigned in 1998 based on a watercolor by the artist, which offers a bucolic break of greenery in the heart of the medieval city and encourages you to wander.

Painting from the Musée Lansyer Loches: a walk through an autumn undergrowth.

Interior of the Lansyer Museum in Loches with green furniture and paintings on display.

Dark painting of a devastated interior, exhibited at the Musée Lansyer Loches.

Painting of the Château de Loches and the old town at the Lansyer Museum.

Interior of the Lansyer Museum in Loches with a set table and wall paintings.

Painting from the Musée Lansyer Loches: cluttered interior with clothes and apparent mess.

Visited in 2022

Musée Lansyer
1 rue Lansyer 37600 Loches
The tip: free access for all from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am-12:30pm / 2pm-5:45pm
Link to museum info

Visit the Saint-Antoine church and gallery

This 19th-century church is housed in one of the buildings of the former Ursuline convent created in 1626 and closed during the Revolution. You can visit it for free during the building’s opening hours; it contains several works of art by renowned local artists and will give you a beautiful overview of the history of art from the 15th to the 19th century. After your visit, don’t miss the Galerie Saint-Antoine on the side of the church, which houses the enigmatic Caravaggio by Philippe de Béthune and various religious art objects.

Facade of the Loches church with a spire and STOP sign.

Loches church interior, wooden altar and painting of the Descent from the Cross.

Interior of the Saint-Antoine church in Loches, nave and main altar.

Visit to an art exhibition, likely at the Lansyer museum in Loches.

Visited in 2022

Eglise et Galerie Saint-Antoine
37600 Loches
free and open visit
Gallery visit every day from 10am to 6:45pm

Visit the Chancery and the House of the Centaur

These two former private mansions were built in the 16th century. Don’t hesitate to visit the Chancellerie to get some insights into the heritage of Loches through a permanent exhibition and another one about the tomb of Agnès Sorel (both exhibitions are accessible for free). Also, do not miss the Maison du Centaure and its sculpted facade representing Hercules piercing the centaur Nessus with an arrow as he abducts his wife, Deianira.

Inner courtyard of the Chancellerie de Loches with olive trees and garden furniture.

Interior of the Chancellerie de Loches with wall frescoes and exit to the garden.

Interior of the Chancellerie de Loches with a view of the medieval garden.

Visited in 2022

Chancellerie
8 Rue du Château, 37600 Loches
Exhibition accessible for free from April to October

Go for a canoe ride on the Indre

A very lovely activity that I also recommend doing during your time in Loches (if the season allows it) is a short canoe ride on the Indre, which runs along the town. You can rent canoes at the edge of town, at the Cultu’raids Concept stand, go for a quick paddle round trip, and then return to your starting point. As always for canoeing, I recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting wet (I often wear my swimsuit and yoga gear, for example) and bringing clothes to change into afterward, which you can leave at the starting point. I also always bring flip-flops for this kind of activity and a bottle of water.

The ride is quite idyllic and also allows you to see the surroundings from a different perspective. Just be careful not to paddle too far under the trees if you don’t like spiders, as they’re a bit of a haunt for them…

Shaded river under trees, ideal for a canoe ride in Loches.

Canoe on the Indre near Loches, woman paddling under the trees.

Canoe trip on the Indre river near Loches in a wooded environment.

Canoe-kayak rental in Loches with kayaks and paddles on gravel.

Woman canoeing on the Indre near Loches in Touraine.

Activity tested in 2022

Cultu’raids Concept
Canoe rental from 1 hour to a full day
Canoe rates: 10 € per person for 1h / 12 € per person for 2h / 18 € per person for 3h / 20 € per person for 4h / 26 € per person for the full day / reduced rates for children
Link to their website

Go for a bike ride along the BeauxLieux art trail

This artistic and bucolic trail stretches between the towns of Loches and Beaulieu-lès-Loches, from the public garden in Loches to the historic center of Beaulieu, passing through the Prairies du Roy (a 240-hectare green lung and sensitive natural area in the heart of the Indre Valley). You can discover about thirty works of art, and in 2022, 8 new works joined the trail under the theme of Resilience.

Also, don’t miss the chance to stop at the Viantaises community garden along the route, near Beaulieu-lès-Loches, which is the former vegetable garden of the Viantaises nuns’ convent. The site is also freely accessible and truly beautiful! We did this route by bike, but you can absolutely do it on foot as well.

Modern art sculpture around a tree during a bike ride near Loches.

Red insect sculpture near the church spire in Beaulieu-lès-Loches.

Cyclist near the sculptures of the BeauxLieux art trail near Loches.

Tree decorated with colorful knitting at the Petits Jardins de Beaulieu, Loches.

Petits jardins de Beaulieu: orange flowers in an old wheelbarrow.

Path with blue and white sculptures, BeauxLieux art trail Loches.

Flowery garden of Beaulieu near the ramparts of Loches, South Touraine.

Creative gardening with succulents in recycled containers in Loches.

Decorative yellow pom-pom on a tree, Jardins de Beaulieu, Loches.

Activity tested in 2022

BeauxLieux art trail
Trail with free access, 24/7
There are also paid guided tours (4 €/5 €) of the exhibition in July and August
Link to the trail’s website

Rent a bike at Cycles de Vie

This small workshop, located in the Loches train station, offers refurbished Dutch bikes for sale or rent and also provides a repair service for all types of bikes. You can rent your bike (plus the option to rent accessories as well, such as helmets, locks…) for half a day or a full day by booking directly on their website.

Cyclist on a shaded dirt path near Loches, bike ride in South Touraine.

Cyclist in front of Cycles de Vie Loches (Sales, Rental, Repair) for a bike ride.

Female cyclist with a bike near a bridge and an information sign on a nature trail.

Activity tested in 2022

Cycles de Vie
Gare de Loches 37600 Loches
Rates: 15 € per bike for half a day and 20 € for the full day
Update 05/14/2026: this bike rental shop has unfortunately permanently closed its doors

My favorite gourmet spots in Loches

As usual, you will find my selection of great gourmet spots in Loches below (several restaurants, a boutique, and a market) that we had the opportunity to test during our two stays with my favorite photographer. These addresses often offer the chance to discover local products and some regional specialties to taste if you are visiting South Touraine.

Specialties to try: “Roi rose” pork rillons from Touraine, Sainte-Maure de Touraine cheese; Touraine wines.

Visit the Loches market on Saturday morning

If you want to buy and/or consume some local products, I recommend you get up on Saturday morning and head to the city market, which is held throughout the entire town center (it’s a fairly large market). Indeed, the Loches market is one of the epicurean epicenters of the Centre Val de Loire region. Here are a few local producer stalls that I have tested (and from which we brought back a few products) and that I recommend to you: Sandrine Champion (goat cheese producer); la cabane des 4 saisons (to buy fruits and vegetables); and buying rillettes de Tours AOP at the Maison Galland stall (€5.95).

Loches market with a view of the Saint-Ours church belfry on a sunny day.

Maison Galland rillettes de Tours on a market stall in Loches.

Open-air producers' market on a cobblestone street in Loches.

Loches market with Earl Champion goat cheese stall.

Loches Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where to go shopping in Loches? Les Ateliers du Coin

This boutique for designers and craftspeople offers an exhibition and sales space open to the public. In total, Les Ateliers du Coin offer 60 m² dedicated to exhibiting and selling creations that combine various talents (craft forager, pottery, natural cosmetics made with plants…) from ten artisans determined to promote the expertise of the South Touraine region. The boutique brings together 12 permanent artisans, plus guests (artisans and artists) who rotate every 3 months.

Bags of wild herbal tea 'fruit de cueillettes vagabondes' sold at Ateliers du Coin Loches.

Inside Les Ateliers du Coin, a craft boutique with unique items in Loches.

Handcrafted lamp with an animal skull and driftwood at Ateliers du Coin Loches.

Les Ateliers du Coin craft boutique in Loches, woman examining local products.

Les Ateliers du Coin boutique in Loches, arts and crafts and designer boutique.

Address tested in 2022

Les Ateliers du Coin
24 Grande Rue, 37600 Loches
Opening days and hours: Monday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
More information about the boutique

A locavore restaurant in Loches? Lunch at Le P’tit Restau

This little address located on the Grande Rue in Loches is one of my culinary favorites in the city! The chef offers a short, seasonal menu with 3 starters, 3 main courses, and 3 desserts that change every week, using products that are primarily locally produced and organic if possible. And we really enjoyed our meal! On nice days, the restaurant also offers a lovely little terrace in the pedestrian street in front of the establishment.

We tasted: fish terrine with organic basil, piquillos coulis, and mixed green salad; organic rice cream with sweet garlic and salsa of tomatoes with organic fresh herbs; pan-seared pollock fillet with zucchini caviar charred with garlic and lemon; organic eggplant meatballs with ricotta and parmesan, tomato sauce, organic basil, and Kalamata olive tapenade; apricot financier and organic fresh verbena crème anglaise; for drinks, the restaurant offers a lovely selection of wines from the region (wine by the glass between €5.50 and €8).

Grilled fish on a bed of sunflower seed purée at Le P'tit Restau Loches.

Inside a Loches restaurant: set table and Loches tourist posters.

Salty flan, red coulis, and salad in a black bowl at a restaurant in Loches.

Bottles of wine from Château de Villeneuve and Quincy at Le P'tit Restau Loches.

Inside restaurant Le P'tit Restau in Loches with staff and set tables.

Facade of restaurant Le P'tit Restau in Loches with terrace tables.

Soft dessert served with crème anglaise at Le P'tit Restau Loches.

Address tested in 2022

Le P’tit Restau
6 Grande Rue, 37600 Loches
Open every day from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM except Wednesday and Thursday
Price : menu with starter + main course + dessert for €30 / à la carte starter €7, main course €17, dessert €6 / dish of the day for €12 and dessert of the day for €4
Link to the restaurant’s website

Where to grab a quick lunch in Loches? Le Café de la Porte Picois

This bistro-style café-restaurant offers a dining service for a quick lunch, including croque-monsieur with raw vegetables, green salad, or fries until 4:00 PM. I particularly recommend the one with Sainte-Maure de Touraine cheese (€9.80). For a starter to share, try a plate of homemade rillons (a local specialty) with rillettes (€7). For dessert, I had a gourmet coffee (€6.90). It gets crowded on market days, so I recommend you book in advance if you want to be sure to get a table.

Plate composed of pulled pork, slices of roast meat, and fresh salad at Café de la Porte Picois.

A woman presenting a plate of melted cheese toast and fries at Café de la Porte Picois.

Mixed salad with chicken, cheese cubes, potatoes, and balsamic vinegar served at Café de la Porte Picois.

Customers seated at Café de la Porte Picois in Loches with menus written on chalkboards on the wall.

Terrace of Café de la Porte Picois with customers seated and market on a cobblestone street in Loches.

Restaurant tested in 2026

Café de la Porte Picois
3 Rue Saint-Antoine 37600 Loches
Prices: salads between €14.90 and €16.90; croques between €8.90 and €10
The great tip: lunch set menu offered every day with starter + main course + dessert for €18 / starter + main course or main course + dessert for €15

Where to have lunch on a terrace in Loches? Au Vicariat

This restaurant located in the heart of the Cité Royale is ideal for a lunch break during your visit to this part of the city. It is especially worth it for its beautiful tree-lined terrace with a magnificent view, both of the Royal Logis and the surrounding area.

To taste: plate of homemade foie gras (€14); gazpacho (€6); Lochoise salad with local products (€15); the Vicariat burger with fig bread and homemade foie gras (€18); for wines, the establishment also offers a lovely selection of local wines (wine by the glass between €3.50 and €6); for dessert, artisan ice creams from the Manufacture des Belles Glaces (€6 for a 120 ml tub).

Foie gras, chutney, and toasted bread on a white platter in Loches.

White wine tasting in front of the Cité royale de Loches.

Shaded terrace at Le Vicariat in Loches with green tables and old houses.

Burger with fries and salad at Le Vicariat in Loches.

Lunch on the Le Vicariat Loches terrace with hamburger and salad.

Shaded terrace of Le Vicariat in Loches, Sud Touraine, with a view of the countryside.

Shaded terrace with a view of the Cité royale de Loches and its turrets.

Terrace at the Vicariat of Loches with a view of the medieval fortress.

Lime sorbet from La Manufacture des Belles Glaces in Loches.

Address tested in 2022

Restaurant Le Vicariat
4 Place Charles VII, 37600 Loches

A bistronomic table in Loches? Le Prosper

This bistronomic restaurant is nestled at the foot of the Tour Saint-Antoine. We had dinner on the establishment’s terrace and spent a truly lovely evening there. The service is adorable and very friendly, and we also ate very well.

To taste : borscht-style gazpacho (€9); mini beef tartare seasoned chef’s style (€10); chicken suprême with peanuts (€19); catch of the day, a line-caught pollack from Brittany with mashed potatoes and small vegetables (€19); local cheese assortment (€7); for dessert, a baba au vieux rhum (€7); a beautiful selection of regional wines by the glass (between €4.50 and €6).

Person enjoying a pink cold soup garnished with herbs, Le Prosper Loches.

Domaine Alexis Boucard N°1 Bourgueil red wine and glass on an outdoor table.

Bottle of Touraine Chenonceaux Domaine de la Grange wine and glass of white wine.

Woman with white wine and appetizers on a terrace in Loches.

Restaurant terrace at Le Prosper in Loches with guests seated.

Shaded outdoor terrace with customers seated in Loches, Le Prosper.

Dessert with rum baba, ice cream and sliced almonds on a white plate.

Illuminated Clock Tower of Loches and facade of restaurant Le Prosper at twilight.

Address tested in 2022

Restaurant Le Prosper
4 Place de la Marne 37600 Loches
Price : discovery menu with starter + main + dessert at €29
Link to the restaurant’s Facebook page

A gourmet dinner in Loches? Restaurant Le George

To extend the experience at Hôtel Le George (which I mention in the “accommodation” section below), it is essential to sit down at the hotel’s restaurant, which complements the highlights of the accommodation. The restaurant at Le George indeed features a superb terrace/veranda set above a branch of the Indre river. From there, you can enjoy a view of the public garden and its majestic centuries-old trees. In this idyllic setting, the chef delights us by offering delicious seasonal cuisine, carefully concocted with fresh and tasty local produce.

Woman holding a glass of champagne at restaurant Le George in Loches.

Tasting a gourmet dish at restaurant Le George in Loches, highlighting roasted and creamy cauliflower.

Musician playing the electric guitar in the warm atmosphere of restaurant Le George in Loches.

Confit pork belly served with green vegetables, mushrooms and beetroot puree at restaurant Le George in Loches.

Crispy tuile on a bed of creamy seed and nut-based dessert in a black plate at restaurant Le George.

Restaurant Le George dining room in Loches with wooden tables and grey chairs under a bright glass roof.

Gourmet chocolate, caramel and hazelnut crumble tartlet served on a plate at restaurant Le George in Loches.

Musician playing the electric guitar in a rustic stone room at restaurant Le George in Loches.

Restaurant tested in 2026

Restaurant Le George
39 rue Quintefol, 37600 Loches
Rates : starter + main + dessert menu €39 / food & wine pairing €22 (3 glasses)
The good deal : weekly menu starter + main + dessert €23 or starter + main or main + dessert €19.50
Link to the restaurant’s website

Where to have a chic dinner in Loches? At restaurant La Cour des Saveurs

La Cour des Saveurs is the restaurant of the Hôtel de la Cité royale, a beautiful 4-star establishment. The address features a large terrace with a panoramic view of the historic and fortified center of Loches, making it an ideal place for a romantic and chic meal. On the plates, you will find tasty cuisine, combining creativity and modernity, prepared by Christophe Vasseur, Maître Restaurateur, and his chef Jorge Bustamante Cerda.

Yellow sofa, sculpted bust and reception table in the lobby of Hôtel Cité Royale in Loches.

Refreshing cocktail with ice cubes and lemon slice at Hôtel Cité Royale in Loches.

Gourmet dish with fried artichoke, fresh cheese, dry-cured ham and young shoots at Hôtel Cité Royale in Loches.

Facade of the Best Western Premier de la Cité Royale hotel, former Palace of Justice in Loches.

Group of customers seated on the terrace under umbrellas at Hôtel Cité Royale in Loches.

Gourmet dessert with sorbet, roasted rhubarb, fresh strawberries and crumble served at Hôtel Cité Royale in Loches.

Bouquet of spring flowers in a glass vase on a terrace table at Hôtel Cité Royale.

Gourmet fish and fresh vegetable dish served at Hôtel Cité Royale in Loches.

Restaurant tested in 2026

Restaurant La Cour des Saveurs
Hôtel de la Cité Royale, Best Western Premier
2 rue Gonzague Saint-Bris, 37600 Loches
Rates : cocktails €11 and mocktails €9 /
Link to the restaurant’s website

A Michelin-starred dinner in Loches? Restaurant Arbore & Sens ☆

This gourmet restaurant located in Loches is that of Chef Clément Dumont, who was awarded the national The Fork Awards prize in 2021. It has a lovely indoor terrace covered by a canopy where we dined and which is very pleasant on sunny days.

We tested the chef’s 4-course “Arbore” menu. It offers balanced cuisine, centered around textures. His close work with local producers and local artisans is highly highlighted both on the menu and in the restaurant, which displays photos of them. I really liked, for example, during the meal, being asked to choose a knife with a particular wood, made by a knife-maker artisan in Chinon, Les Copeaux d’Abord, to eat with. A very good point to note as well, we were served very good organic herbal teas to end the meal.

Updated March 9, 2023: the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2023!

Bottle of red wine Le Vau Breton, Cabernet Franc, held by hand in Loches.

Woman enjoying a glass of red wine at a restaurant terrace in Loches.

Shaded terrace Arbore et Sens Loches, guests dining under the greenery.

Demonstration of an artisanal knife with wooden handles by a person in Loches.

Shaded terrace Arbore et Sens in Loches, South Touraine.

Gourmet duck breast with mustard seeds and vegetables, Loches.

Bottle of wine Laura David Vigneronne Montlouis-sur-Loire Facétieuse held by hand.

Restaurant terrace in Loches under a green arbor lit at night.

Tea infused in a teapot and a glass cup on a wooden tray, Loches.

Gourmet dish with fish, orange sauce and seasonal vegetables in Loches.

Shaded terrace in Loches with woman using her phone near the Cité Royale.

Address tested in 2022

Restaurant Arbore & Sens ☆
22 rue Balzac 37600 Loches
Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday lunch
Price : “Acte 1” 7-course menu at €88 / “Acte 2” 9-course menu at €125 / food & wine pairing with the Acte 1 menu, €60, with the Acte 2 menu, €90
The good deal : the 3-course “Premiers Pas” menu (weekday lunch only) at €55
Link to the restaurant’s website

My favorite accommodation addresses in Loches

As usual, you will find below my selection of great accommodation addresses in Loches (a hotel and an unusual accommodation) that we had the opportunity to test during our two stays with the favorite photographer.

A hotel in Loches? Le George ☆☆☆

Ideally located in the heart of Loches, Le George is a true gem nestled in a magnificent 15th-century building. In the 1820s, the location was a coaching inn called the “hôtel de la providence”, which owes its current name to visits from illustrious personalities such as the writer George Sand. Situated on the banks of the Indre, this intimate establishment with 17 rooms (classic or comfort) and a restaurant (which I mentioned in the previous paragraph) offers a surprisingly bucolic environment right in the middle of town. During our stay with my favorite photographer, we stayed in room 108, a suite that was absolutely quiet and overlooked the Indre at the back.

We found that the establishment offered some very fine features for a 3-star hotel. It was, in fact, completely renovated in 2020. Another highlight of this stay was undoubtedly the breakfast: served in a sunny veranda that pleasantly overlooks the stream, it provides a simply magnificent setting to start the day.

Antique stone fireplace with metal wall decor and fox sculpture at Le George in Loches.

Facade of the bar-restaurant Le George in Loches decorated with blue flowers, with an inviting entrance and fairy lights.

Elegant room with a stone fireplace, exposed beams, and refined decor inside the hotel Le George in Loches.

Facade of the hotel-restaurant Le George by the Indre river in Loches under a blue sky.

Full breakfast with pastries, coffee, orange juice, and muesli at the restaurant Le George in Loches.

Guest seated in the bright veranda of the restaurant Le George in Loches with a view of the river.

Continental breakfast buffet with pastries, cereals, and drinks in a room with exposed stone at Le George Loches.

Hotel tested in 2026

Le George ☆☆☆
39 rue Quintefol, 37600 Loches
Rates : classic room for two people from 77 € / comfort+ room (like ours) from 145 €
Link to the hotel’s website
Book your hotel

An unusual place to stay in Loches? Troglodyte gîte at Diane’s

This charming troglodyte gîte (cave dwelling) with a terrace is located on the heights of the town and offers a superb view over the city of Loches. We were very well welcomed by Diane, who offers this gîte at the end of her property. The gîte is well-equipped and offers the possibility of cooking on-site (hot plates, fridge, dishes, coffee machine, kettle…). It is perfect for a short couple’s getaway. Diane has also made a lot of documentation available in the gîte regarding all the activities and visits to do in the surrounding area.

However, I prefer to warn you: this gîte (well, this one and all troglodyte gîtes in fact) is not ideal for arachnophobes like me… Indeed, despite the impeccable cleanliness of the gîte, which is cleaned with great care—and it is important to point that out—spiders love this type of place, and you will certainly come across one or two beautiful specimens. It’s no one’s fault, and there is nothing to be done to avoid it, but if you are afraid of them, it’s better to be warned. That didn’t stop me from having a very good stay and feeling comfortable in this little cocoon carved into the rock. The breakfast is included in the rental and it is delivered to the gîte in the morning. I admit that it was one of the pleasures of this stay, having breakfast in the sun with that incredible view—pure happiness.

Whitewashed troglodyte facade in Loches with lush vegetation and a view over the rooftops.

Interior of a troglodyte dwelling in Loches with a woman in a yellow dress in the back room.

Decorative mirror capturing a photographer taking a selfie in a troglodyte interior in Loches.

Troglodyte interior in Loches with a stone fireplace and raw walls.

Wooden armchair with a white cushion with the words 'Life is a party' in Loches.

Troglodyte bedroom in Loches with a woman using her phone near arched windows.

Terrace with a view of the Royal City of Loches and a sunny breakfast.

Woman in front of a troglodyte house in Loches with baskets.

Woman having breakfast with a view of the Royal City of Loches.

Green exterior near Loches with a troglodyte cave and foliage.

View of the town of Loches from a garden with chickens and an outdoor sleeping area.

Gite tested in 2022

Gîte troglo Chez Diane
Chemin de Montmartre, 37600 Loches
Link to the gîte’s Airbnb page

Things to do in the surroundings of Loches

As usual, you will find below a selection of visit ideas in the vicinity of Loches. Some are easily accessible by bike for example, while others do require you to have a vehicle to get there.

Visit the town of Beaulieu-lès-Loches

This town is located really just next to Loches (it is even easily accessible on foot or by bike from the town center of Loches), on the edge of the right bank of the Indre. The medieval and monastic city still has a beautiful built heritage today with no less than 13 monuments classified as Historical Monuments.

You can discover its abbey church and also the Saint-Laurent church, which has become a cultural space and regularly hosts free temporary exhibitions organized by the association Outrevoir. The town also houses the remains of the old abbey, beautiful old mansions, mills, and poetic gardens. Indeed, as I was already telling you in the paragraph on the BeauxLieux artistic trail, don’t hesitate to take a look at the shared garden of Beaulieu, which is truly an extremely pleasant place to stroll!

Beaulieu-lès-Loches: traditional houses by the water with vines.

Stone vaulted passageway leading to a flowery courtyard and red bench in Beaulieu-lès-Loches.

Traditional houses along a canal in Beaulieu-lès-Loches.

Bell tower of the old church of Beaulieu-lès-Loches, ruined facade, blue sky.

Cobbled alley in Beaulieu-lès-Loches leading to a Romanesque bell tower under a blue sky.

Vaulted interior of the Royal City of Loches with a contemporary art installation.

Interior of a religious building with gothic vaults and a contemporary art exhibition.

Scarecrow in the little gardens of Beaulieu near Loches.

Abandoned bicycle with a leather bag hung in the gardens of Beaulieu, Loches.

Beaulieu-lès-Loches
Link to the Beaulieu-Lès-Loches town hall website

Go for a walk in the Forest of Loches

The Loches national forest is two centuries old and is home to one of the most beautiful oak forests in France. You can go for a short, bucolic stroll starting from the Pas aux ânes pond parking lot (as we did). You then need to follow the Pas aux ânes trail that loops around the pond (about 30 minutes); otherwise, for a slightly longer walk, you can also follow the RandoCroquis trail which takes you to the lovely Saint-Jean du Liget Romanesque chapel, lost in the middle of the fields (allow about a good hour of walking). This trail is also dotted with signs about drawing in nature (hence its name). In any case, these are easily accessible and very bucolic little walks.

After your walk, you can also stop in front of the current Chartreuse du Liget which is right next door and admire its architecture. I believe it can also be visited; unfortunately, during our visit, we didn’t have the time to stop there (prices: 2 € for a visit to the exterior and ruins + 2 € for a visit to the Saint-Jean du Liget chapel). This Charterhouse was founded in 1177 by Henry II Plantagenet and placed under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist.

Wild chicory flowers in the tall grass of the Forest of Loches.

Sculpted gate leading to the Forest of Loches with a castle in the background.

Pond on the edge of the Forest of Loches, South Touraine.

Reeds along the river bank near the Forest of Loches, Indre-et-Loire.

Red and yellow hiking marker on a tree trunk in the Forest of Loches.

Hiking in the Forest of Loches, woman with a yellow backpack on a shaded path.

Romanesque chapel isolated in a wheat field near the Forest of Loches.

Hiking in the Forest of Loches on a country path next to a wheat field.

Stone Romanesque chapel near a wheat field and trees, Forest of Loches.

Monumental gate of the Forest of Loches under a blue sky.

Access road to the Château de Loches surrounded by greenery, South Touraine.

Rando’Croquis Route
Royal Forest of Loches
Starting from the Pas aux Anes pond

Make a stop in the floral village of Chédigny

Chédigny, located on the banks of the Indrois river, is the only village in France to be entirely labeled as a “Remarkable Garden” since 2013, and also a “Golden Flower” village, the highest distinction for floral towns and villages. It is the residents who have shaped it over the years, transforming it into a lush garden where 1,000 rosebushes and more than 4,000 perennial plants flourish. You can even find “plant exchange boxes” in the village, similar to “book exchange boxes,” which I thought was really great!

See my full article on the village of Chédigny

Old post office and yellow box in Chédigny, near Loches, covered in roses.

Traditional house with red shutters and a flower garden in Chédigny, South Touraine.

Yellow goldenrod flowers in bloom near the Royal City of Loches.

Green door at number 13, white stone facade and climbing roses in Chédigny.

Charming street in Chédigny near Loches with a woman sitting on a low wall.

Visit the village of Le Louroux

If you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to make a stop at the very authentic village of Le Louroux to see its imposing fortified priory. You can also take a stroll around its lake and go observe the birds at the ornithological observatory. It’s a very nice walk to take if you have a little extra time.

Hiker looking through a natural hideout, Loches South Touraine.

Ancient village street leading to the church of Loches under a blue sky.

Hiking woman on a wooden path under the trees near Loches.

Fishing by the side of a body of water with a chair and fishing rod, South Touraine.

Medieval enclosure of Loches with its tower and bell tower under a blue sky.

Thanks to the Loches Touraine Châteaux de la Loire Tourist Office for organizing these two stays, and to Emilie from the AirPur Agency.

View of Loches from a garden, thoughtful woman.

I hope that with all this, I have made you want to discover Loches and South Touraine, and if you also have your own favorite spots and tips for this destination, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez and Melle Bon Plan
Photos are not royalty-free, photographer authorization is required before any use