The best hikes from bus stations in Centre-Val de Loire

Above the town of Loches, on a rocky plateau, lies a royal complex. It includes three large building complexes: one of the oldest keep (medieval tower houses) in France in the south, a collegiate church in the center, and the Logis Royal (the royal castle) in the north. The entire complex is surrounded by a nearly two-kilometer-long ring wall. The entire complex is very impressive. If you're in the area, you should definitely take a detour to Loches. You can find interesting information about the complex on Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Loches

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.

The second garden, known as "Goualoup", has hosted the International Garden Festival since 1992. As the seasons change, this annual event (from April to October) has become an unmissable meeting point for new, contemporary garden designers: landscape architects, set designers or gardeners. Each year has its theme, which the artists bring to life with originality and imagination. The park and the International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire were awarded the "Jardins Remarquables" (Remarkable Gardens) and the "Arbres Remarquables" (Remarkable Trees) label in 2011, thanks to the exceptional cedars that adorn the Domaine's park.

pretty castle

The Notre Dame church was built in 1635 by Pierre Le Mercier.

With its curiously crowned square tower, this charming church boasts a flamboyant Gothic style. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, it preserves a remarkable collection of 16th-century stained-glass windows dedicated to Eucharistic miracles.

The Saint-Sulpice church in Nogent-Le-Roi is an impressive church built in the 15th century and which was part of the defensive wall which protected the entrance to the town. You can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and its wrought iron choir inside, as well as its original tower outside. The church is located in the heart of Nogent-Le-Roi, a charming town with old half-timbered houses and a castle.

The castle of Nogent-le-Roi dates from the 15th century and was built by Pierre de Brézé, close advisor to King Charles VII1. You will be able to admire the neo-Louis XIII style of the current building, built in 1863 by Alfred Chapelain, and discover the remains of the medieval fortress, such as the surrounding wall and the two square towers. You can also run in the magnificent park surrounding the castle, where there is an old windmill which was used to pump water during the Second Empire. The park is open to the public every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Château de Nogent-le-Roi is an ideal destination for a refreshing and cultural run.