Attractions and Places To See around Varennes - Top 14

Beautiful city with many impressive buildings. Be sure to check out the Jardins Public – they're gorgeous.

The donjon is a residential tower or defensive tower of a medieval castle in the French cultural area. The donjon is 36 meters high, has a square floor plan, and is characterized by an excellent state of preservation. It was probably built by Fulk III of Anjou in the 11th century. In the 15th century, the fortress was converted into a royal prison by Louis XI. It houses the cells of Philippe de Commynes, Cardinal Balue, and the Duke of Milan, who spent his time painting murals. In 1801, Napoleon I transferred the state prison to the department. The donjon was used as a prison until 1926. In any case, it is an impressive complex, as is the entire town of Loches, which is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

Very beautiful little town with all services and shops.

Located in the Indre valley, the castle of Loches (and more precisely the Royal City of Loches) is part of the large family of Loire castles. Built on a long rocky outcrop, the fortified city is dominated by an imposing keep, a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. From the lower town to the fortress, the winding streets are dotted with architectural gems (Loches belongs to the network of cities and countries of Art and History): among them, the Saint-Ours collegiate church, Romanesque splendor with pyramids (the " dubes”) and the royal residence of the end of the Middle Ages, a high place in the History of France which welcomed Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel and Anne of Brittany. Along a thematic path, the interactive tour evokes the destiny of men and women who left their mark on the history of these places. Immersive visit in augmented reality of the dungeon, thanks to the Histopad. The Royal City of Loches also hosts a new exhibition every year. Source: https://www.touraineloirevalley.com/patrimoine-culturel/cite-royale-de-loches-loches/

The chancellery has an exceptional Renaissance façade, dated 1551 and inspired by the work of Michelangelo. It houses the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre. This place, which is part of the prerogatives of the Villes et Pays d’art et d’histoire label, is freely accessible. On the ground floor, a permanent exhibition made up of five rooms tells the story of Loches. This exhibition is the heart of a system that includes a courtyard and outbuildings that have become places for exhibitions and events, as well as a garden treated as an amphitheater, a place for walking that can occasionally host concerts and shows. Source: https://www.touraineloirevalley.com/patrimoine-culturel/la-chancellerie-loches/

During your visit to Loches, this public botanical garden is worth a visit. From inside this tranquil green space, you can enjoy the view of the Indre and the townhouses of Loches that overlook its banks. Turn 180 degrees and you can admire the Saint-Ours collegiate church, dating from the 11th century, in all its splendor.

This fortified keep is a feat of military engineering built from 1013 to 1035 by the then Count of Anjou. Many royal figures have made it their home and have frequented it over the centuries, which explains why Loches is known as a "royal city". Among these figures are Joan of Arc, Anne of Brittany and King Charles VII.

During your visit to Loches, this public botanical garden is worth a visit. From inside this tranquil green space, you can enjoy the view of the Indre and the townhouses of Loches that overlook its banks. Turn 180 degrees and you can admire the 11th century Collegiate Church of Saint-Ours in all its glory.