The Loches Coat of Arms

The Loches town coat of arms (Fr. blason) is three fleur de lys and six fish. It is to say the least, aquatic.

The coat of arms of a town can tell you a lot about its origins.

The lilies refer to the chateau, stormed and taken by Philippe-Auguste on three occasions, and remaining in crown hands from the time of Saint Louis. The river fish that are referred to as 'loches' naturally come to mind to evoke the name of the town.

The word 'loches' comes from 'lucca' or 'lokka' meaning ditch or lagoon. Also, in the Celtic language, 'luc', 'leuc' and 'lug' (pronounced 'loc'h') signifies enclosed water or marsh. Loches is in fact surrounded by water meadows created out of the old drained marshes.

Today the coat of arms is seen decorating the municipal vehicles, on tourist guide booklets and street flags.