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 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 belltower 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.   Features: Palais Interiors Main Floor -    Entrance hall -    Living room with marble fireplace and French doors opening up to garden -    Dining room with table and chairs (for up to 12 guests) and French doors opening up to garden -    Kitchen and utility room, fully-equipped including La Cornue stove, dishwasher (x2), fridge-freezer (x2) and wine fridge -    Library with TV and Playstation 4 -    Guest WC -    Bedroom with single bed First Floor -    2 x bedrooms with king-size double bed -    Bedroom with double bed -    Bathroom with bath, rain shower, bidet and sink -    WC -    Shower room with spine shower, sink and WC Lower Ground Floor -    Gym equipment and pool table Pavilion Interiors Main Floor -    Living-dining room with lounge seating and table (for up to 6 guests) -    Kitchen area, well-equipped including oven, hob, dishwasher and fridge-freezer -    Guest WC -    Laundry room First Floor -    Bedroom with king-size double bed -    Bedroom with double bed -    Bathroom with bath and shower Second Floor (via steep stairs) -    Bedroom with twin beds (low sloping ceiling and no door, best suited to children due to size) Outside Grounds (one acre) -    Al-fresco dining area (for up to 14 guests) -    Barbecue -    Hammocks, benches and outdoor lounge furnishings -    Formal garden with fruit trees -    Games room (underground) with table tennis and table football -    Parking (up to 3 cars) Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Heating -    Smart TV -    Playstation 4 -    Table football -    Table tennis -    Gym equipment -    Pool table -    Cellars (2 acres including underground tunnels, not accessible to guests) -    Washing machine and dryer Location: Palais D’Or is located within the city walls of Loches, one of France’s most significant historic towns. In a perched position on a rocky spur, in the heart of the citadel, you are surrounded by the town’s battlements yet there is a feeling of peace and privacy within your walled home and garden. Situated in southern Touraine, Loches is one of the most beautifully preserved towns in France, almost like a smaller version of Carcassonne and the only walled town in the Loire valley. In the highest part of Loches, the Palais lies alongside the Château de Loches, the impressively tall 11th century Donjon and the wonderful Romanesque St-Ours church. This is a truly privileged setting - La Cité Royale de Loches has been home to many kings and queens across the years and it is famously where Joan of Arc met Charles VII to tell him the war against England was over. On the banks of the Indre, Loches is home to numerous excellent restaurants, many with pretty al-fresco terraces set out along the town’s narrow lanes, as well as a variety of lovely shops and a vibrant twice-weekly market, considered to be the best in the region. Meanwhile, art-lovers will be keen to admire the Caravaggio paintings on display in the Saint-Antoine gallery. Cross the picturesque river, where locals love to fish, and stroll around the tranquil public gardens. The river offers swimming, canoeing and kayaking opportunities and bike hire is also available – look out for the Indre à Vélo cycling trail which passes through Loches or bike into the shady and historic woodland surrounding the town. The great city of Tours is only a 45-minute drive away (or take the hour-long train ride from Loches’ train station). Wander around the old quarter with its half-timbered houses, enjoy the amazing markets across the city and soak up the ambience by the banks of the Loire river with its bars, restaurants and cultural events. Traditional wooden boats offer trips along the Loire and culture lovers should head to the impressive Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Centre to admire the art displays as well as the architecture. Just outside Tours, the vineyards of Vouvray are well known across France and there are plenty of chances to visit wineries and sample the well-known white wine produced in this area. Of course, you are also perfectly positioned to visit some of the Loire valley’s other famous chateaux such as Château Royal d'Amboise and Château de Chenonceau, both just over half an hour away, and Château de Villandry just a little further. Even closer, discover the idyllic village of Chédigny (12km), a glorious garden village known for its many roses which are celebrated at the village’s Festival of Roses in late May. Montrésor (20km) is another gorgeous village with medieval lanes on the banks of the Indrois, classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. For outdoor enthusiasts, as well as all the cycling opportunities, discover walking trails between the Indre and Loire rivers or drive to nearby as L’Étang du Louroux, an especially tranquil lake which is perfect for bird-watching and nature walks. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? £1500 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 5.00 p.m. Departure time? 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Yes. Heating costs included? Yes. Linen & towels included? Yes. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Pets welcome? On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Minimum stay? 4 nights. All other durations on request. Changeover day? Flexible. Smoking Allowed? Outside only. Tax? French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Other Ts and Cs? Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. However, please note it is a quiet residential area.