Yesterday we had to visit Loches so to make a day of it we decided to walk over to the medieval and monastic town of Beaulieu-les-Loches which is a short walk along Rue du Dr Paul Martinais (Loches), on to Rue Brûlée in the town.
The town itself has no less than 13 listed buildings, an abbey church with origins dating back to the 11th century - built by our old friend the uncompromising 'FoulquesNerra' - and canal network laid out in the 16th century by the Benedictine monks from the abbey all the ingredients of a worthwhile destination and a magnet for tourists.
You know you have arrived (and apparently being watched) by the town's sign which boasts its credentials as a one star 'Ville Fleurie'
We had intended walking from the public gardens in Loches via the 'wetlands' but as we made our way there we were met by council workers who let us know that flippers might be the order of the day as the area was living up to its name and the path was flooded!
We had been to the town before and perhaps a Monday in February was not the best time to visit but even as the afternoon turned into fine conditions for a walk it failed to lift the apparent gloom that seems to hang over the place.
On the positive side the abbey church was open - will feature next Sunday - and the refurbished bell tower was looking resplendent.
After our visit we had to content ourselves with waiting on our return to Loches to avail ourselves with a cup of coffee as being a Monday the only cafe in the town was closed!
Below is the view towards Loches over the 'wetlands'
Our very first brocante experience was there in November 2007. It was excellent but absolutely freezing weather. We warmed ourselves up with coffee in that café. There was thick fog inside due to the number of people smoking - those were the days, eh?!
ReplyDelete