Tours Old Town, France
Tours, located in the Loire Valley of France, is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
Tours Old Town: 37000 Tours, France
Date Picture Taken: April, 2024
I decided to stay in Tours City to visit chateaus in the Loire Valley. The train makes it easy to reach other small cities in the Loire Valley from Tours.
Tours may not be the most charming city in the Loire Valley, but it is the most convenient place to stay.
Though I mainly came to Tours to see the many Chateaux in the Loire Valley, I decided to walk around the city to get to know the town.
Cathédrale Saint-Gatien: This Gothic cathedral, with its stunning stained glass windows and impressive architecture, dates back to the 13th century.
On one side
The back side
The right-side hallway
The left-side hallway
Out of the church
Walking toward the city center
This is a panoramic view of the city center plaza, Place Plumereau. It is a lively square in the old town known for its half-timbered houses, charming cafes, and vibrant nightlife.
The Charlemagne Tower
The tower is named after Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor, who supported the church and its missions. Although Charlemagne himself did not build the tower, his association with the basilica adds to its historical importance.
The Tour Charlemagne is one of the remaining structures of the original Collegiate Church of Saint Martin, which was a major pilgrimage site in medieval Europe.
The original basilica was mostly destroyed during the French Revolution, but the Tour Charlemagne survived, making it one of the few remnants of the original medieval complex.
Basilica of Saint Martin: A significant religious site dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, it houses his tomb and offers a blend of Romanesque and modern architectural elements.
Saint Martin of Tours: Saint Martin, born in the 4th century, was the third bishop of Tours and is known for his piety, humility, and numerous miracles. His tomb became a major pilgrimage site after his death.
The original basilica was founded in the 5th century to house the tomb of Saint Martin. It grew into a major pilgrimage site throughout the Middle Ages.
The basilica faced destruction during the French Revolution, and the original structure was mostly demolished. The current basilica was rebuilt in the late 19th century in a Neo-Byzantine style, incorporating elements of the earlier medieval church.
Out of the church
