Tours – Introduction

Tours, located in the center of France, is an old city, founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus. Today, it has a population of around 140,000 (the metropole has 500,000).

The interesting part of the city is the old part (“Vieux Tours“), and several of the buildings located against the old city. The old city and parts around it are pedestrian only (plus public transportation, like their tramway).

There is one main artery, used by the tram and pedestrians which run North-South. It starts at the Loire river with a pedestrian bridge and continues all the way to the railway station.

When looking North, on your right are the main buildings of Tours (Castle and Cathedral), on your left is the old city.

Parts of the pedestrian walk alongside the outer circle of the old city is not only pedestrianized, but also covered (a bit like the Ramblas in Barcelona).

Parks

When walking through Tours, you will be surprised by the number of public parks; small and big ones. There are quite a lot of them.

In the Museum gardens (Musee des Beaux-Arts, more on that further on), you will find an enormous and very old (300 years) Lebanese Cedar tree.

There is also a rather big botanical garden, located to the West of the old city. It’s called “Jardin botanique de Tours“, and access is free.

Buildings

Tours has mostly older buildings, but there is a sprinkling of new, modern, buildings. However, the newer ones are located in the outer ring of the old city.

Most of the older buildings are well maintained. In the space of 100 meters, you can go from a modern building, like this one:…..

….. to a part of a very old building whose facade is the only thing left;

The Palais de Beaune-Semblancay was a house built in the 15th century. It was built for Jacques de Beaune, baron de Semblancay, superintendent of finances to King François I. The building, and many others around it were destroyed during the opening stage of World War II. The Germans, using tracer rounds, set fire to 12 hectares of buildings and houses on the 19h of June 1940. The fire raged uncontrolled for 3 days and nights. 24 municipal buildings were lost, and 9,000 people become homeless. All that is left is the facade.

Grand Theatre – Opera De Tours

The Opera of Tours, also known as the Grand Theatre stands squeezed between several buildings. It has however, a majestic feel:

Construction of the Opera building started in 1867 (inaugurated in 1889) on the spot where a church had been built. The church had already been converted into a theatre in 1796. In 1867, the city bought the place, destroyed the old church and built a new theatre. However, in 1883 a fire destroyed most of the theatre. Only the walls remained.

Therefore the inside is quite modern and has a seating capacity of 950 people.

Musee des Beaux-Arts

The Musee des Beaux-Arts de Tours (Museum of Fine Arts of Tours) is located in the bishop’s former palace, near the cathedral St. Gatien, where it has been since 1910. It displays rich and varied collections, including that of a painting which is one of the first in France both in quality and the diversity of the works presented.

Click here to access the Museum’s website (in French only)

Chateau de Tours

The Chateau de Tours (Tours castle) is an 11th century castle. It was almost completely destroyed in the 18th century. Until recently, it was an aquarium, but in 2001 it was turned into a museum.

During WWII, the castle served as prison by the Germans.

Click here to access the castle’s website (in French only)

Railway Station

The SNCF Railway station is to be seen. The “Gare SNCF” is a design beauty, rarely seen in railway stations. The initial building of the station started in 1846, and the main passenger building was constructed in 1896.

There is another railway station, a more modern one, serving Tours. It’s called “Gare de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps” in a village 2.7 km from Tours.

Opposite of the railway station you will find the modern Vinci – International Congress Center.

This is where concerts, festivals, symposiums and business events are held. Click here to access the Center’s website (in French only).

City Hall (Mairie or Hotel de Ville)

Tours’ City Hall is another building that merits a good look. The building’s construction started in 1896 (and finished in 1904). This ornate building was designed by Victor Laloux, who also designed the Basilica (see more below).

Next to the City Hall, you will find Tours’ main courts of justice (Palais de Justice):

Houses

Around Tours, in the old city, you will find many old houses, most well preserved. Some of the houses are majestic:

The Institut de Touraine is a French language school for foreigners. The house it is in, built in 1862, belonged to the Torterue family.

But most old houses were built from wood:

Les Halles

And of course, like in any self-respecting French city, you will find a covered food market place, and like elsewhere, it’s called “Les Halles“.

Some of the Churches

As you would expect, there are quite a few churches, basilicas, abbeys and a cathedral in this city. Here is a separate post which will show you some of them. Click here to read the post.

Conclusion

Tours is a pretty city, and despite the destructions of WWII, it’s well maintained. The old city is nice to walk, since most streets are pedestrian only.

Roads are easy, not that many cobblestones, so walking or using a wheelchair should not be difficult. There are no hills to climb.

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