Sights in Tours

The city is also home to Saint Martin, who was consecrated bishop here in the fourth century, and to whom children still owe the lantern parades on his name day. St Martin’s remains are in the Basilica of Saint Martin at Tours.

One of the most imposing buildings in Tours is the Cathedral of Saint-Gatien. Beginning in the early 13th century, the construction phase of this impressive place of worship lasted more than 300 years and practically provides a cross-section of architecture from the Gothic period to the beginnings of the Renaissance. The 70-metre-high towers above the richly decorated façade loom like a landmark over the city of Tours. Directly behind them is the enchanting old town of the city, which today, after being almost destroyed in the Second World War, can be found lovingly and lavishly restored. A central point here is the ?Place Plumereau? with the picturesque facades of the adjacent houses. Several street cafes, small bars and shops ensure a lively hustle and bustle there.

Also worth seeing in Tours is the extensive collection of paintings in the ?Musee des Beaux-Arts?, housed in the former 17th-century bishop’s palace. The works of the great masters, such as Rembrandt, Degas or Delacroix, are mainly to be found here.

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