Pierre & Vacances Holiday Residence Loches

The Domes of St.-Ours (Fire Prevention)

by hquittner

There was a rise in religiosity as 1000 AD approached and the end of the world was expected. When this did not occur, the wave continued leading to much church building. in the 11C. But flat wooden roofs lead to devastating fires and stone barrel-vaulted naves felt cramped and dark reminding some of the catacombs. Architects could not find a new solution. In Venice and Palermo (ca 1050) San Marco and San Cataldo (See our Palermo Tips) used the Byzantine brought long ago from Rome of setting stone domes over square spaces. Size was limited but both here in the late 12C and a few years earlier at Fontevrault Abbey (See our Tips) domes were used as vaulting of the naves. These are octagonal in shape. Two were needed and another flatter one provided an undercover for the transept crossing tower (in the picture). This trend was not further adopted because the Gothic age was just born and the pointed arch and flying buttresses solved the vaulting problem. The unusual octagonal structure of the domes

Pretty and off the beaten track

by Beausoleil

"Look up . . ."

Loches is a lovely town set on a river. It is a very walkable place and while you are walking, look for the little surprises. Shops have quaint and lovely signs, some like this one and others hand painted.

"The river is a lovely setting"

I took this in September so going off season doesn't mean you will miss the flowers. This is a little bridge over the Indre just outside the gate into Old Town and there were geraniums planted all across the bridge. To the left is a greenway and to the right you look up to the old chateau. The church by the chateau is where Agnes Sorel is buried.

"The lovely chateau in Loches"

Go through the old gate, climb the cobblestone streets, go through the huge portal in the ancient wall and climb to the church and chateau. Stop and view the tomb of Agnes Sorel and then go to the chateau next to it and visit. The chateau is not completely open and not particularly well furnished but there are some lovely parts of it and the view from the terrace is worth the entire trip. You overlook the entire town and the Indre River.