Terrasse du Château (Rampart Walk)
The free-to-access rampart walk along the southern edge of the Cité Royale offers the finest elevated view in the whole of Loches — a sweeping panorama across the Indre River, the tile-roofed lower town and the vineyard-dotted plateau stretching south. Sunset here is genuinely spectacular.
The Walk Itself
From the Porte Royale gatehouse, follow the chemin de ronde southward along the medieval walls. The path is well-maintained gravel and takes about 20 minutes to walk end-to-end without stopping, though you will stop constantly for photographs.
The best single viewpoint is the terrace directly south of the keep, where the limestone cliff drops sharply and the Indre meanders silver through poplar-lined meadows below. Early morning light hits this face perfectly.
Practical Details
The rampart walk is freely accessible during daylight hours and is not ticketed — a rare gift for budget travellers who still want the drama of a medieval fortress town. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Combine the walk with a descent through the Porte des Cordeliers, a 13th-century gateway that leads directly into the lower town's medieval lanes, for a seamless loop back to the town centre.
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