L'Église Saint-Ours de Loches

According to the Michelin Green guidebook that I have, Saint-Ours was l'apôtre des Lochois — the apostle of the people of Loches — in the 5th Century A.D. I'm not sure what that means, but it at least gives you a date to hang on to. The church was built in the 12th century and dedicated to his memory.

The Cadogan Loire guidebook calls Saint-Ours "a really curious and charming building" and says the unusual thing about it is the two cone-shaped towers built over the bays of the nave. I haven't come across anything saying why they were built that way. Many might agree with the famous 19th century restorer of French monuments and buildings that this church is un édifice d'une étrange et sauvage beauté, unique au monde.

Inside the church you'll see the tomb of the famous Agnès Sorel, who was born in about 1432 and died 28 years later. That's her on the right above. I think I've read that she was the first "official" mistress of a French king (Charles VII) and was said to be the most beautiful woman in the kingdom in those days.

The main entrance door at Saint-Ours is un portail polychrome sculpté de personnages et d’animaux tirés du bestiaire du Moyen Âge" that dates back approximately to the year 1165.