The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Loches
(lôsh) (KEY) , town (1990 pop. 7,133), Indre-et-Loire dept., W central France, in Touraine, on the Indre River. Products include processed food and electronics. It is famous for its medieval buildings, especially the ancient château that dominates the town. Originally established by the counts of Anjou, it later became (mid-13th cent.) a royal residence and a state prison. The royal lodge, built by Charles VII, contains the tomb of Agnès Sorel and the oratory of Anne of Brittany.
