Beaulieu-lès-Loches

Beaulieu-lès-Loches developed around the Benedictine abbey built by Foulques Nerra, also founder of the keep of Loches and the fortress of Montbazon, and whose burial is still in Beaulieu today. Its large bell tower, 64 m high, was the subject of a major reconstruction project, completed in 2019. Built entirely in stone in the 12th century, the restorations carried out between 2016 and 2019 allowed it to regain its whiteness and its splendor of yesteryear. The many details found there, and in particular the sculpted modillions, give it all its originality.

The old Saint-Laurent church, located a few steps from the abbey church, hosts contemporary art exhibitions throughout the summer, which allow you to appreciate the special atmosphere of this place. Its Angevin vaults give a very special acoustics to the monument, which can be enjoyed every year during the Sonates d'Automne festival.

As you stroll through the streets of the city, you can meet one of the many craftsmen who have settled in Beaulieu. They are brought together and showcased during events across the city such as the European Arts and Crafts Days or the "Les Rues des Arts" artistic course. The Maison des Templiers, with its superb vaults, hosts a shop where you can buy the creations of these craftsmen, as well as a workshop to learn about these artistic professions.

Beaulieu-lès-Loches is built between a hill and the Indre valley. Nature therefore occupies a very special place. The Prairies du Roy connect Loches and Beaulieu thanks to a bucolic pedestrian path. This Sensitive Natural Area, often flooded in winter, is home to flora and fauna typical of wetlands. This pleasant walk continues along the water, along the Beaulieu canal.

The Prairies du Roy are the gateway to the open-air exhibition Beaux Lieux. It presents works of contemporary art along a route that surveys both natural spaces as well as the heritage points of interest of the city. As you walk, you will see witnesses of the past, natural spaces and contemporary creations come together.

Beaulieu-lès-Loches is a municipality that knows how to bring its natural heritage to life. Witness the small gardens of Beaulieu, installed on the site of the former Viantaises convent. These shared gardens, full of poetry and charm, are a real invitation to tranquility. They are also neighbors of the Moulin des Mécaniciens, which can be visited during exceptional open days, in particular in June during the Days of the Patrimony of the Country and of the Mills.

Various events and activities make the heart of the city beat throughout the year, whether through music, games, unusual visits or even shows for young and old.

The events in Beaulieu are multiple and are renewed every year. But you can find the essentials such as the musical open stage "Crescendo", every second Tuesday of each month at the Salle de Templiers. Visits to the abbey and the Grand Bell Tower organized by the town hall from spring. Various shows by the NACEL association throughout the year. Les Carrés d'Art, a participatory exhibition in the city, from May to June, but also Les Beaux Lieux, outdoor works installed all year round.

During the summer, various artists exhibit in all the exhibition venues. The Trinity flea market (May-June) or the Souillarde fair (November) are also two essential events. As well as the "Solstice" music festival (mid-June) and the European Heritage Days (mid-September). Two events around crafts and crafts enliven the beginning and end of the summer season, Printemps du papier (end of May) and Rues des Arts (end of August).

Around Beaulieu, enjoy the beautiful royal city of Loches, the charming town of Chédigny or the impressive priory of Louroux.

Beaulieu-lès-Loches is located on many cycle-tourist routes, such as the Indre à Vélo route, which will make you discover the charm of the region along the water. "The paths of the Black Falcon", a walking route, allows you to discover the city and its many monuments on a circuit of about 3 km.