France June 2016 - The Royal City of Loches

We drove over to Loches, about 38 miles from our base in Chinon.  Loches is a walled meedieval city, built on a rocky buttress in a very strategic position.  At the northern end is the royal chateau.  At the southern end was yet another of the ubiquitous Foulques Nerra donjons (keeps).

Here Lynnette is about to enter the walled city through the royal gate -- and some very thick walls.
   
A good look at the Donjon or Keep, built at the beginning of the 11th century.  It was used as a prison starting in the middle of the 15th century up until 1926.
   
 
   
Another good look at the square Keep.
   
Looking down at the Barbican or entrance across the moat.
   
Looking south at the town.
   
How many French houses that are unremarkable from the street but yet have pretty courtyards and garden that can only be seen from above?
   
Eveyrthing was peaceful and green.
   
Inside of the Keep.
   
All those square holes were for the floor beams I suppose.
   
Looking east.
   
Lynnette imprisoned in the dungeon.
   
Bill trying to imagine wearing the heavy steel neck cuff, chained to the wall in the dungeon.
   
One more look at the Keep.  Richard the Lion Heart supposedly captured this Keep back in 1194 in only three hours.  I wonder how he managed that?
   
At the northern end of the city was the Royal Lodge.   It was used in the days when the monarchy was consolidating its power.  King Charles and Joan of Arc spent time here.
   
 
   
There wasn't a too much to see inside the Royal Lodge but Lynnette did like this big sword.
   
Looking north from the Royal Lodge balconey.
   
 
This picture gives you a good idea of the layout of the walled city.
   
Looking up at Loches from the street.
   
 
   
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