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Chartre
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Loches
Chenonceau
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Amboise
France Trip, August 2012
Monday, August 20
We had originally planned to visit Chinon and Fontevraud Abbey but decided that we didn't want to drive as far today. So we went into the town of Loches, which is only 4 km from our vacation chateau. Loches is a medieval town with a chateau that was originally built in the 9th century. A lot of the chateau was designed and occupied by Henry II of England and Richard the Lionheart. It was later captured for France. It would become a favorite residence of Charles VII of France who gave it to his mistress, Agnes Sorel. Louis XI used it later as a prison, so there are many rooms that were dungeons (donjon) and torture chambers.
The rooftops of Loches from the terrace near the church and castle
Matt and Allie, with Loches in the background.
Craig looking out over the town
Heather and Eric entering the dungeons below the old keep
Some of the gang, with the old keep in the background.
The wooden floors in the multistoried keep were long gone, but were able to explore it by
climbing the original stairways and walking along the gangways built into the inner walls. .
A view down to the fllor of the old keep from the third story. The third level was
where Henry II and Richard I (Lionheart) quartered. .
We found a lovely cafe where we all found seating to eat dinner. We were
there until after 11:00 that night. We really enjoyed our day in Loches.