It's not just us who've been confined to our homes in the Touraine Loire Valley. Over the centuries there have been plenty of people kept in varying states of restriction here.
Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, was held at Loches, as was Jean de Poitiers, the father of Diane.
Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, was held at Loches, as was Jean de Poitiers, the father of Diane.
Ludovico is an iconic figure of the Italian Renaissance, and a key player in the Italian Wars. He was accused of inciting Charles VIII to take the kingdom of Naples and even encouraged the invasion of his own duchy.
The Donjon (castle keep) on the Royal Citadel in Loches.
At the death of Charles VIII, his successor Louis XII continued the Italian Wars and pressed his claim to be the legitimate heir to the Duchy of Milan through his grandmother Valentina Visconti. Ludovico Sforza was taken prisoner by the French in April 1500 and sent to France. He died in the keep of the Royal Citadel of Loches in 1508 after four years of imprisonment there.
If you would like to visit this atmospheric and historic castle, just let us know. We will gladly include it in your tour as it is one of our favourites. To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.