Agnès Sorel, the lady of beauty the Royal City of Loches

If the walls of the Royal City of Loches could speak, they would tell you the fascinating story of Agnès Sorel, the first official favourite of King Charles VII of France, who left her mark on Touraine with her charm and influence. Nicknamed the“Lady of Beauty“, she embodied the charm and power of royal favourites. More than just the king’s companion, she was a figure of modernity and feminine power in a kingdom undergoing a renaissance. Find out why this young woman from the lower nobility is still an icon of Loches today.

Who was Agnes Sorel, the favourite of King Charles VII?

Born around 1422, Agnès Sorel was the daughter of a modest noble family. Spotted for her dazzling beauty and intelligence, she joined the French court as maid of honour to Queen Marie d’Anjou. There she met Charles VII, and became his confidante and inspiration. Her beauty and influence quickly earned Agnès her nickname, “the Lady of Beauty”, and a special place in the king’s heart.

Clear blue eyes, blond hair, very white skin… this particularly advantageous physique did not escape the eyes of Charles VII, 18 years his senior, for very long. And although the beautiful woman initially made her royal suitor languish, this only strengthened Charles VII’s attraction. In the end, she succumbed: it was hard to refuse the king.

Agnès Sorel and the Château de Loches A place of love and power

She was particularly fond of the Royal City of Loches, and stayed there for long periods, even in the absence of Charles VII. Her presence is immortalised in a copy of a portrait painted by Jean Fouquet: the favourite is depicted as a Virgin with child, breastfeeding, almost a Madonna. The portrait combines Agnès’s pious character with her sensuality, which shines through with the unveiled breast, her taste for beautiful things with the ermine coat, and her role with the King through the crown placed on the head of the woman who is… almost queen.

In the richly decorated rooms, you can imagine her sumptuous gowns and her dazzling blonde hair, which has become almost legendary. When you visit Loches, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the royal court, where Agnès made her mark with her unique style and modernity.

Logis Royal de Loches Agnès Sorel — ©Logis Royal de Loches |ADT Touraine - Gillard & Vincent

Alongside Joan of Arc, Pierre de Brézé...

While the life of Joan of Arc is inextricably linked with the destiny of Charles VII, Agnès Sorel was closely associated with the golden period of his reign. According to legend, she told him that her astrologer (whose opinion was highly respected at the time) had predicted that she would be at the side of a great king, which led him to think that she should perhaps be at the side of the King of England. Stung to the core, Charles VII agreed to confront his British rivals to liberate Normandy.

To do so, he enlisted the help of a certain Pierre de Brézé, who led the army in using metal cannonballs to attack British fortifications. Brézé had the full support of Agnès Sorel, both in his role as the King’s principal adviser and in his defence against the accusations made against him by the Dauphin (later Louis XI).

And Jacques Cœur: an alliance in the service of the King

Agnès Sorel’s circle of friends also included influential figures such as Jacques Cœur, the king’s great treasurer. Together, they encouraged Charles VII to undertake bold reforms to modernise France. It was thanks to this alliance and their joint influence that the French court was able to undergo a period of renewal, for the good of the kingdom.

Aware of her attractiveness, Agnès Sorel took great care over her appearance. She wore magnificent fabrics, but also precious stones: the beautiful Agnès was the first to wear cut diamonds, brought by her friend Jacques Cœur. This refinement influenced the life of the court, leading to an evolution in women’s and men’s fashion, giving rise to the French art of living. A foretaste of the festivities of François 1st at the Château Royal d’Amboise and the splendour of Versailles!

The Royal City of Loches

Immerse yourself in the history of the châteaux of the Loire by discovering the Royal City of Loches, an unmissable jewel open all year round. Organise your visit so you don’t miss out on this unique experience.

Ticketing, opening times and access… Everything you need for a memorable day or weekend with family or friends is at your fingertips. Explore this exceptional place, where Agnès Sorel, the famous favourite of King Charles VII, left her mark.

Plan your visit now on the official website!

Your stay around Loches

The tragic death of Agnès Sorel A mysterious ending

How did Agnès Sorel die?

In 1450, while expecting her fourth child, Agnès Sorel died suddenly at the age of 28, leaving the king inconsolable. Her early death gave rise to much speculation, with some suspecting poisoning orchestrated by rivals at court jealous of her influence. The mystery surrounding the death of Agnès Sorel reinforces the mythical aura of the royal favourite.

The recumbent tomb of Agnès Sorel: eternal homage to the Lady of Beauty

The tomb of Agnès Sorel, sculpted with striking finesse, is a must-see when visiting the town of Loches. Go to the Collégiale Saint Ours, where this recumbent statue depicts her with a unique grace, a symbol of her beauty. The work is touchingly realistic, with the delicate features of the portrait of Agnès Sorel, a direct tribute to her charm and personality. Take the time to admire this masterpiece, which brings to life the greatness of an extraordinary female figure who, alongside Charles VII, left her mark on the history of France.