Loches

The town, one of the most picturesque in central France, lies at the foot of the rocky eminence on which stands the Château de Loches, the castle of the Anjou family, surrounded by an outer wall 13 ft./4 m. thick, and consisting of the old collegiate church of St. Ours, the royal lodge and the donjon.

The town grew up around the monastery and was built around 500AD.

It's a beautiful little town with wonderful narrow walkways and picturesque buildings.

The royal lodge, built by Charles VII of France and once used as the subprefecture, contains the oratory of Anne of Brittany. It was here on 11 May 1429 that Joan of Arc arrived, fresh from her historic victory at Orleans, to meet the king.

I loved all the dog statues everywhere.  I've never seen dogs represented in Chateaus and palaces.  Always love a dog lover.

Oratory of Anne of Brittany.  An Oratory is a small chapel. 

The donjon and the ruined keep.  HH climbed to the top of this hollowed out keep, but I just waited at the bottom.