11 historic monuments not to be missed in Tours

1 - Saint-Gatien cathedral

If there's one monument you really shouldn't miss if you love history and architecture, it's Saint-Gatien's cathedral in Tours!

Built between 1170 and 1575, it is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Here you can admire its stone lacework, 13th-century stained glass windows, vaults almost 30 metres high and the sculpted tombs of the children of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany.

The icing on the cake: in 2026, you'll be able to admire it while sipping a cocktail from the rooftop of the former Saint-Gatien clinic!

Open every day from 9am to 7pm.

Address: Place de la Cathédrale, Tours

3 - The Vieux-Tours district and Place Plumereau

With its half-timbered and timber-framed houses, friendly atmosphere and festive venues, the Vieux-Tours is THE emblematic district of the city. As you wander through the cobbled streets, you'll come across private mansions, Romanesque and Gothic buildings, as well as concept stores, traditional and world cuisine restaurants and popular bars.

While you're here, don't forget to have a drink on one of the terraces in Place Plumereau, voted ‘France's best place for an aperitif’ by Lonely Planet!

To find out more about this district and its history, regular guided tours are offered by the Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office.

5 - The Charlemagne Tower and the Clock Tower

Both remnants of the former basilica dedicated to Saint Martin, these towers are certainly not lacking in allure!

The Clock Tower, formerly the Treasure Tower, houses a bell that was once used to ring the opening and closing of the adjoining markets, as well as a clock at the top dating back to the French Revolution. Closed to the public, it can be admired in all its glory from outside on rue des Halles.

The Charlemagne Tower, in Romanesque style on the lower floors and Gothic on the top floor, has no fewer than 248 steps, which you can climb on a guided tour, for a gourmet tasting or even an escape game!

Tour de l'horloge: 86, rue des Halles in Tours

Charlemagne Tower: 83, rue des Halles in Tours - visit by reservation only here.

7 - The Tours Opera

Did you like the Opéra Garnier? You'll love the Opéra de Tours! Designed as a real party venue by the architect Jean-Marie Hardion, whose project won over the jury that included the famous Charles Garnier, the opera house has retained its splendour and continues to welcome actors, orchestras and ballet dancers all year round.

With its Italian-style auditorium, ceiling paintings, gilded balconies, red velvet armchairs and sculpted staircases, the opera house has a lot to offer, whether it's a performance or a guided tour.

34, rue de la Scellerie, Tours

9 - The Town Hall

On the Place Jean-Jaurès, the stature of Tours Town Hall is impressive! With its sculpted facade, double staircase and frescoed ceilings, nothing is too good for this monument, built in 1896 by architect Victor Laloux. Today it is the venue for town councils, weddings and festive events.

Instead of asking for your other half's hand to discover its interior decoration, you can visit its hall freely or take part in one of the guided tours offered by the City of Tours. Register here.

Place Jean-Jaurès, Tours

11 - Tours Station

For this final must-see, we're not meeting you on track 9 ¾ but at Tours station!

Built at the same time as the Hôtel de Ville (1896) and by the same architect, Victor Laloux, who also designed the Gare d'Orsay (now the Musée d'Orsay). Designed in the English neo-classical style, the station was conceived as a work of art. From the outside, you can admire its monumental glass roof, its clock and the four statues sculpted by Henri-Frédéric Varenne, allegories of the destination cities of Nantes, Limoges, Bordeaux and Toulouse.

Inside its metal hall, don't forget to pay attention to the 18 ceramic paintings representing the first towns served, such as Belle-Isle-en-Mer, Carcassonne and Arcachon.

Place du Général Leclerc in Tours.