tours

City of Art and History, former Gallo-Roman town, then capital of the realm of France, Tours benefits from an exceptional position in the centre of the famous Loire valley, in the heart of the Garden of France.

Some examples of tourist sites:

The Saint Gatien Cathedral
The Medieval streets
The Old Town
The Gallo Roman City
The Saint Julien Church
The Marmoutier abbey
The Saint Martin Basilica
The History of Tours Workshop
Musée du Campagnonnage
The Military Service Corps Museum
The Saint Martin Museum
The Tourraine Wine Museum
The Charlemagne Tower

The Saint Gatien Cathedral

The cathedral of Tours, dedicated to saint Gatien, its canonized first bishop, was begun about 1170 to replace the cathedral that was bunt out in 1166 during the quarrel between Louis VII and Henry II of England. The lowermost stages of the west towers belong to the 12th century, but the rest of the west end is in the profusely detailed Flamboyant Gothic of the 15 th century.

The Medieval Streets

Have a walk in those particular streets which are situated close to the Cathedral Saint Gatien and surround the Place Plumereau Musée des Beaux Arts Formerly the Archbishop’s Palace, discover in this monument fine pieces of furniture and considerable collection of French and foreign paintings from the Middle Age to the 20th century. Here you will see some art operas of Mantegna, Rubens, Rembrandt, Boucher, Delacroix or Dugas.

The History of Tours Workshop

Enjoy permanent display of the history of the city and temporary exhibitions. Musée du Campagnonnage This museum is unique in the world. It contains the masterpieces, tools, illustrated and written records of the Tour de France journeymen since 1840.

The Military service corps museum

This museum is the remains of the abbey of Beaumont. During your visit, discover an impressive collection of arms, pennants, uniforms, and insignia illustrating the history of the service corps since it was formed till our days.

The Saint Martin museum

The museum retraces the main events in the life of Saint Martin. You will discover the history of the site and the various buildings erected here since the first tomb was laid.