Tour Guillaume

The Tour Guillaume is a prominent feature of the Cité Royale de Loches, a historic fortress complex in the Indre-et-Loire department. Built in the 11th century by Foulques Nerra, the Royal Keep includes towers, dungeons, and underground passages. The Tour Guillaume itself serves as a significant defensive structure within this medieval site, offering visitors a tangible connection to the region’s feudal past. The complex also includes the Logis Royal, a Renaissance residence that contrasts with the earlier military architecture.

Visitors can explore the Cité Royale de Loches daily from 9:30 am. Closing times vary by season: 5:00 pm in January, February, November, and December; 6:00 pm from March to June and September to October; and 7:00 pm in July and August. The site is closed on January 1st and December 25th. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the site. Admission is €12.50 for standard entry, with concessions available for students, disabled persons, and others at €10.50. Children under 7, job seekers, and holders of specific cards (such as ICOM or Ministry of Culture cards) enter for free. A VIP Pass is available for €25, or €20 for holders of other Indre-et-Loire monument cards.

Reservations are mandatory for groups of 15 or more, school groups, guided tours in foreign languages, and general public workshops. Payment is accepted via cash, checks, holiday vouchers, and cards. This site offers a comprehensive look at medieval and Renaissance history, combining military fortifications with royal residences. It is a key destination for travelers interested in the architectural evolution of French castles.