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The Main Gate
The Château de Loches is a 9th Century castle located in the Loire valley in France. It is well known for its large square keep, which, sitting on a rocky outcrop, dominates the surrounding Royal City of Loches.
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Chateau de Loches
Heading up the hill and towards the Keep, you are met by the ditch and drawbridge. This would have protected the castle when it was in use as a military fort.
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The Keep
This view, from the roof of the keep, shows how ideally placed this castle is. In fact, when the castle was controlled by the English in the 12th Century, it was several decades before the French king Phillip II was able to recapture it.
Agnès Sorel
By the 1440s, the castle was owned by Agnès Sorel, the Dame de beauté or Lady of Beauty, and the mistress King Charles VII of France. The Virgin Mary in this painting by Jean Fouquet was based directly on Sorel.
Gisant d'Agnès Sorel (1450/1470)The Royal City of Loches
Sorel's Tomb
Sorel died in February 1450, aged 28, just a day after giving birth to her fourth child. She was interred in this elaborate medieval tomb in the Church of St. Ours, in the grounds of the Château de Loches.
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The Church of St. Ours
From the outside, the Church of St. Ours, named for the founder of Loches, is recognisable for its numerous pointed towers. One of the oldest buildings in the castle, it is found half way between the Keep to the south, and the Royal Lodge to the north.
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The Royal Lodge
The Royal Lodge, built by Charles VII of France contains the oratory of Anne of Brittany. It was here on 11 May 1429 that Joan of Arc, fresh from her victory at Orleans, arrived to meet the king.
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The Lodge Tower
The lodge tower offers a view right across Loches, regarded as one of the most picturesque towns in France. Traditional trades and industries such as wine making, woodcutting, livestock rearing, and leather tanning are still practised here.
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The Oratory
The Oratory is found in the Royal Lodge, and was used by Anne of Britanny as a place for personal prayer. The small room is just about big enough for a couple of people, and is decorated on all surfaces with Anne's coat of arms.
Mouchetures d'hermines - II (1498/1500) by NCThe Royal City of Loches
Ermine
This heraldic design, or tincture, looks like a shooting star, but is actually ermine spot, the winter fur of the stoats. Ermine has long been used to lines cloaks and hats, and so became known as a symbol of nobility.
Voûte de l'oratoire (1498/1500) by NCThe Royal City of Loches
Rose
On the ceiling of the oratory is this intricately carved rose of flamboyant Gothic architectural tracery, classical acanthus leaves, and Anne's personal emblem of ermine and a knotted rope.
Baie de l'oratoire. (1498/1500) by NCThe Royal City of Loches
Anne's Motto
The windows of the oratory are painted with one of Anne's personal mottos, Potius Mori Quam Foedari, 'Rather die than dishonour'.
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The Gardens
Leaving the lodge, why not take in the fresh air, on a walk around the castle's extensive and well-pruned gardens.
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