Old town, Tours

The medieval district of the old town is well restored. Small Place Plumereau is surrounded by ensemble of fahverque houses of the XV century.

Walking through labyrinthes of narrow streets gives a really great pleasure. The fahverque house Tour Charlemagne is the most remarkable in the city centre.

Picturesque Place Plumerau and Place du Grand Marche are the center of the Old town.
Walking along the old city is rather pleasant.
It is possible to find there a cosy cafe and to drink a cup of coffee, enjoying an atmosphere of the medieval city.

Place Plumerau is the main square of the ‘old town’. With tourism the main business in the district these days, it is hardly surprising that it is well served with a choice of eating and drinking opportunities. I didn’t stop here, but I rather fancy that sitting in this square with a group of friends on a sunny day, with its mediaeval buildings surrounding, would have to be very pleasant. Even wandering through was enjoyable.

If you wander westwards along rue de Commerce from the Cathedral, it is not a long walk to find yourself here. Alternatively, head up rue Nationale (the main street) from place Jean Jaurès, then left via rue du Maréchal Foch or rue de Commerce - either way, the streets in this area become fairly tangled, so it is nice just to wander and find your destination almost by luck!

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The ”Vieille Ville” part of Tours has a goodly number of buildings dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Incredibly, I have read that there were moves in 1957 to ‘do a Haussmann’ and replace much of the old part with ‘new’ buildings. Fortunately, sanity took over and instead the old buildings were repaired and renovated.

To make it easier to appreciate the old town, its streets have now been ‘pedestrianised’, to make walking about it more pleasant. It is, and I am happy to recommend it: my suggestion though, is that you first visit the Office de Tourisme and pick up a copy of their excellent brochure "Tours - Capitale des Chateaux de la Loire" which has a good map (and English translations of the main points). You may have to ask at the counter for it, as I did.

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The old town of Tours is very beautiful and lively. I enjoyed walking along the little streets and alleys and popping into some shops every now and then. There's also a nice ice-cream bar in the old town, try it!

Another charming sight. As I delved into the Old City, the layers of familiarity began to unfold & I began to feel a sense of belonging here. It's almost as if I had been here before. A most unusual feeling...

One of the main streets of the old town.

Tours is a very safe city to walk in. No beggars like in Paris & no pickpocketers. Well, at least as I've experienced it! Perhaps I'm dressed too poorly to be pickpocketed? ;-)

Guyon warned me about pickpocketing operations in Paris. Fact is, I only have a digital camera which I'm itching to replace. If I'm sooo "lucky", then my travel insurance will get me a new toy in no time. Wouldn't that be great? ;-)

Remember, travel insurance!!!
Also, keep all your documents in the hotel safe. Just bring along a xerox copy & carry that in your bag.

This is not a tip. It's not a must-see.

It's something I saw which I've no idea what it's all about.

It's something I thought interesting despite not knowing anything.

It's just something I wish to share with anyone who wish to see. That's all.