We're heading to Loches and staying right in the middle of this fantastic town. We're looking for day trip ideas 2 hours away max. This is our third vacation to the Loire valley and have seen quite a bit so far along the Loire. Any input on must-sees au sud de la Val de Loire will be fantastique ! Merci
Posted by
North Carolina
318 posts
I stayed in Amboise for 4 days last summer. One day, on the advice of my B&B owner, I went to Loches and Chedigny. Loches was great, especially that it isn't on the prime tourist track yet has fascinating things to see. Chedigny is a little village maybe 20 minutes from Loches that is primarily known for its annual Festival of Roses. I wasn't there for the festival, but despite that the village was just full of rose arbors and floral vines clinging to the cottages. Highly recommended for a lovely stroll through town.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2087 posts
I liked my visit once to Montrésor and it’s château, lovely tiny place within a half hour east of Loches.
Richelieu, a Renaissance place founded by the famous PM cardinal under the rule of Louis XIII. Saidly his huge château didn’t survive the French Revolution think otherwise it would have been one of the tourist hotspots in the Loire region. Have to say it’s not a place for walking around for hours but worth a visit if history interests you and if it happens being in the neighbourhood. The same for Descartes further west.
I stayed near Brissac Quincé, halas no time to visit it but the château there is impressive, nice garden and think interesting history and interior too. https://chateau-brissac.fr/?lang=en On the way back enjoyed the views from the bridge in Montrieul-Bellay with the castle at the background.
Posted by
Kamarooka
421 posts
We loved Loches.
Not a daytrip but rather a pleasant stroll. Beaulieu les Loches is worth a bit of a wander around.
The chateau of Langeias was pretty impressive. Also has the remains of the old donjon. It is a charming little town. We did it as a short daytrip by train from Tours. I would think an easy enough daytrip from Loches.
Posted by
Loire Valley
824 posts
South of Loches head towards Angles sur l'Anglin and St Savin. both are really pretty, one has a ruined castle on a cliff, the other a medieval painted church that is UNESCO listed.
Also, the area around Merigny is fascinating https://daysontheclaise.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-re-emerging-river.html and https://www.berryprovince.com/itineraire/balade-a-pied-n41-rocher-de-la-dube-merigny-merigny/ will give you ideas
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2087 posts
Thanks Simon, especially Angles-sur-l’Anglin looks really stunning. It looks that there are numerous lovely riverside villages and towns to look for along the Indre, Le Cher and other rivers too.