Loches walks

This walk offers a rich and varied overview of the significant historical heritage of Loches and Beaulieu-Lès-Loches, while also providing the opportunity to cross a sensitive natural area (classified as Natura 2000).

In the 15th century, the fortress of Loche symbolised royal power. On the other side of the Indre, the imposing abbey of Beaulieu-lès-Loche reigned over the souls of the people. While the course of the Indre remains peaceful, time has preserved only the magnificent buildings from this era, which you can discover as you walk along the route suggested here.

From the monastic city of Beaulieu-lès-Loches, discover little-known paths that offer unique views of the bell towers of Beaulieu and the royal city of Loches. You will walk along paths carved into the rock, across the plateau through fields, and make a detour into the forest of Loches to see the Étangs de Ferrière.

After a quick tour of the village of Ferrière-sur-Beaulieu, with its old priory, you will set off on an excursion that takes place almost exclusively in the forest. And what a forest! The Loches National Forest, a former royal forest and favourite playground of the kings of France when they stayed in Loches. Sometimes on the wide avenues ofthe 19th century, sometimes on small paths, you will discover hidden sites in the middle of the woods, notably the Étang de Ferrière.

From the village of Perrusson, you will set off on a circuit along the eastern side of the Indre valley. The green meadows along the river will give way to fields and woods, dotted with hamlets and villages where life is good. Keep your eyes peeled, as the narrow streets and valleys sometimes hide some lovely surprises...

On this route, after a section exploring the heritage of the market town of Perrusson, you'll head off to explore the countryside. Woods, fields, open countryside, geological curiosities and finally wet meadows - this is a programme that should please walkers looking for a variety of atmospheres.

Set off to explore the villages of Saint-Jean and Saint-Germain, separated by the Indre but united by an ordinance since 1834 to form Saint-Jean-Saint-Germain. You will discover a varied heritage, marked by the history of the area, but also by the river, and you will pass from the valley to agricultural areas dotted with hamlets and farms.

Starting from the village of Chambourg-sur-Indre, you will set off on a walk through the Indre valley. On sandy paths, you will follow the river through meadows and poplar groves, then criss-cross the woods that stretch between the Indre and Indrois valleys. Under the trees, with your feet on the sand and your eyes on the water... discover the Chambourg countryside!

In the heart of a vast wooded area in the countryside of Chambourg-sur-Indre, you can set off on a 100% nature walk, mainly in the shade of the trees. A few steps across fields and through the hamlets of Chambourg will take you into the woods, where you may have the chance to spot a deer or other forest dwellers.

Discover the small village of Sennevières, nestled in a valley at the edge of the Loches National Forest. A short walk through the Touraine countryside will take you to the former royal forest with its wide forest paths. You can stroll under the canopy of trees, in the shade of hundred-year-old oaks...

Starting from Saint-Quentin-sur-Indrois, you can choose between two different loops. The first, towards Chédigny, will take you through the rolling countryside to discover the 1,000 rose bushes in this village, which has been awarded the Jardin Remarquable label. The other loop will allow you to discover the Indrois, its meanders, its mills and hidden monuments. But as the choice is difficult, you can also choose to do both loops since they are connected to form a single one!

From the quiet village of Dolus-le-Sec, dotted with charming heritage sites, you set off on a walk through fields on a vast agricultural plateau. Follow the paths and let the wind guide you to the wind turbine, the symbol of the commune.

In the Lochois region, Chédigny, the "Village of Roses", is the only village to be classified as a "Remarkable Garden". I invite you to discover it from Azay-sur-Indre, a small historic village located at the confluence of the Indre and Indrois rivers. The route passes through varied landscapes: woods, meadows and fields, floodplains, marshy areas and riverbanks.

Leaving Saint-Hippolyte, you set off on a short loop through the countryside. After a short stretch beside the Indre, you'll wind your way through the fields to discover a number of hamlets, as well as the woods overlooking the village.

In addition to three beautiful castles, two of which belonged to the Marquis de La Fayette, you will discover a ghost farm, a very old oak tree, a few mills, rocky outcrops, rivers, streams, a spring, a pond and a canal.