The best walks and hikes around Saint-Jean-Saint-Germain

Take a detour to the Tour Saint-Antoine: a tower built between 1529 and 1575, once the bell tower of a now-defunct chapel. It stands 52 meters tall and, from its balustrade, offers stunning views of the old town, the valleys, and the surrounding rooftops. A perfect stop for those who love history and panoramic views.

We bet you'll love Loches! Winding through the grand royal city, the charming cobbled streets offer glimpses of the courtyards of magnificent mansions, as well as the more open landscapes of the surrounding countryside. Stroll around, saunter, and soak up the atmosphere. The city center boasts a wealth of shops and restaurants. There's certainly plenty to be found in this city. A visit to the Jardin Public is also well worth it.

The tower is the only Renaissance bell tower in the province of Touraine and was granted historic monument status in 1840. It is 52 meters high and was built between 1529 and 1575. The tower opens exclusively during the European Heritage Days and requires advance reservation at the Tourist Office starting in August.

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 Notre-Dame Collegiate Church is dedicated to Saint Ursus, who converted the region to Christianity in the 5th century. I was particularly impressed by the richly decorated Romanesque portal. Another important sight is the beautiful alabaster tombstone of Agnès Sorel, the mistress of King Charles VII, which radiates peace and gentleness.

Located in the Indre valley, the castle of Loches (and more precisely the Royal City of Loches) is part of the large family of Loire castles. Built on a long rocky outcrop, the fortified city is dominated by an imposing keep, a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. From the lower town to the fortress, the winding streets are dotted with architectural gems (Loches belongs to the network of cities and countries of Art and History): among them, the Saint-Ours collegiate church, Romanesque splendor with pyramids (the " dubes”) and the royal residence of the end of the Middle Ages, a high place in the History of France which welcomed Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel and Anne of Brittany. Along a thematic path, the interactive tour evokes the destiny of men and women who left their mark on the history of these places. Immersive visit in augmented reality of the dungeon, thanks to the Histopad. The Royal City of Loches also hosts a new exhibition every year. Source: https://www.touraineloirevalley.com/patrimoine-culturel/cite-royale-de-loches-loches/

The chancellery has an exceptional Renaissance façade, dated 1551 and inspired by the work of Michelangelo. It houses the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre. This place, which is part of the prerogatives of the Villes et Pays d’art et d’histoire label, is freely accessible. On the ground floor, a permanent exhibition made up of five rooms tells the story of Loches. This exhibition is the heart of a system that includes a courtyard and outbuildings that have become places for exhibitions and events, as well as a garden treated as an amphitheater, a place for walking that can occasionally host concerts and shows. Source: https://www.touraineloirevalley.com/patrimoine-culturel/la-chancellerie-loches/

A moment of calm in the Loche National Forest, this lake and its sandy beach are perfect for taking a break and enjoying the tranquility of the body of water.