Centre-Val de Loire · Indre-et-Loire, France

Cité Royale de Loches

A thousand years on one spur: Foulques Nerra's colossal Romanesque keep — among the oldest standing in Europe — beside the royal logis where Joan of Arc pressed Charles VII to ride to Reims and be crowned (June 1429), and where Agnès Sorel, the first official royal mistress, lived and lies buried.

At a glance

Built: Keep c. 1013–1035; royal logis 14th–16th c.
Style: Romanesque keep and royal residence
Commissioned by: Foulques Nerra; kings of France
Signature feature: Foulques Nerra's 36 m keep (c. 1013–1035)
Joan of Arc: Urged Charles VII here to go to Reims for coronation, 1429
Agnès Sorel: 'Dame de Beauté' — her tomb and story belong to Loches
Grim fame: Louis XI's prison cages in the keep
Visiting: Open to visitors year-round