Hotels in Tours
What to see by foot: Tours
 
After suffering severe bombing during WWII, Tours is now fully restored and
absolutely gorgeous. The most atmospheric area of the city is the Plumereau
Quarter, which is pedestrian-friendly and thriving with cafés, art galleries
and boutiques. Situated in the old town, Plumereau is a visual feast of half-timbered
medieval houses, ancient courtyards and quaintly crooked towers.
From Plumereau, a gateway leads to St Pierre le Puellier Square, where less
energetic tourists can soak up the history-drenched air in an old Romanesque
church which has been transformed into a café. East of here lies the
intriguing artisans' quarter, which is based around Rue du Petit St Martin.
The Cathédral de St-Gatiens lies in the eastern sector of the city and
is a masterpiece of architecture and craftsmanship. Built between the 13th and
16th centuries, it is an exquisite blend of Renaissance and Gothic styles. The
façade is richly ornate and inset with dazzling stained-glass windows.
The interior is a medieval delight of pure lines and symmetry.
Next door to the cathedral is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, overlooking
classical gardens and a 200-year-old cedar tree. The museum is housed within
what was once the Archbishop's Palace, which was constructed between the 17th
and 18th centuries. The rooms are decorated with splendid Tours silks and Louis
XVI panelling, and the collection of art and sculpture is a range of work from
the Middle Ages to the contemporary.
Architecture enthusiasts should pay a visit to the Gouin Hotel, recognised
as the finest Renaissance structure in Tours. Originally the home of a wealthy
silk merchant, it is now the city's archaeological museum, exhibiting a captivating
array of medieval artefacts.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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