Down South: II

That delicious cheese came from the town of Loches, a short drive from Fierbois.  We visited for the market and the Castle.  Apparently it used to be the castle of the Anjou family (I'm sure I've been to others with that claim).  It's twinned with St Andrews.

We had a pleasant wander around the town, chateau keep and logis royale...

Like much of the area, the town seems steeped in Jeanne-ology...

... along with unexplained statues.

The old castle itself is huge and impressive. with fantastic views. 

I relaxed on the lawn outside while the rest went in.  This is some of what they saw...

 

The twin spires show the position of the church in the medieval citadel/fortress. Here in closeup:

 

The other end from the great fortress is the Royal Palace (Logis).

It also offer great views over the city, and has real associations with Charles VII, Joan, and Agnès Sorel.  Although the rooms are somewhat bare now, with just the odd object or display, it is still easily possible to see how they would have been very attractive when fully-furnished.

The bust is (I think) of the Hapsburg Maximillian of Austria.  Everyone stops to stroke the emperor's nose...