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Walk in the footsteps of Joan of Arc and Richard the Lionheart as you stay in La Cité Royale de Loches, an incredible and unique location in one of France’s most historically significant towns, in the Loire Valley.

It’s hard to imagine a more privileged setting for a holiday home – this 18th-century palace is perched high in Loches’ citadel with its grand garden set behind the town’s 15th-century ramparts. Yet step through Palais D’Or’s wrought-iron gate and experience true relaxation within the palais’ historic walls.

Made with local white stone and steep slate roof tiles, the palace will charm you with traditional furnishings, antique pieces and exquisite attention to detail such as fabric walls and real gold gilding on the ceilings. The spacious living room enjoys views of the formal garden and leads straight through to the graceful dining room, a romantic spot for candlelit feasts prepared in the French kitchen with its vaulted ceiling, elegant La Cornue stove and all-important wine fridge.

The palace features three pretty doubles, one single bedroom and two luxuriously fitted shower rooms in the towers, including a striking gold spine shower, whilst a further three bedrooms and a bathroom can be found in the Pavilion within the grounds, also home to a second lounge and kitchen.

Outside, within your private oasis, stroll through the acre of gardens passing lawns and fruit trees, laze in a hammock or find a bench where you can admire views of Loches and beyond. Dine al-fresco on the terrace with St-Ours church’s bell tower peeping through the trees. Guests, both young and old, will adore the table football and table tennis to be found in the garden’s underground games room.

How wonderful to be neighbours with the famous Château de Loches with its gardens and castle keep just down the lane – its history is fascinating and it has hosted a number of important figures over the years.

Then, of course, there is the lower town of Loches to explore, right on your doorstep, where you will find cobbled lanes filled with restaurants and cafes as well as many shops and a delightful twice-weekly market. Wander across the picturesque Indre river to the public gardens and admire the views back up towards the historic citadel – this is a truly special location.

Canoe or kayak along the river, hire bikes to follow the Indre à Vélo trail or enjoy shady walks and cycling through the old woodland surrounding Loches. Take the train to the magnificent city of Tours on the Loire river, visit the vineyards of Vouvray and drive to idyllic places such as the garden village of Chédigny and Montrésor, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Seek out many more of the Loire valley’s grand châteaux, such as Château de Chenonceau and Royal d'Amboise, both within half an hour, before stepping back through the Porte Royale gates and returning to your own remarkable sanctuary above the battlements of Loches.

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