Place Plumereau in Tours

15 minutes from our hotel

At the heart of the Old Tours, Place Plumereau is at the centre of the Saint-Martin district and stands as one of the city’s oldest squares. Formerly a marketplace in the 13th century selling flowers to decorate hats, the square changed names many times before taking the name of city councillor Charles Plumereau in 1888. Today, the former marketplace is still bustling thanks to the numerous cafés and restaurants surrounding it, its terraces filling out on sunny days.

Both locals and tourists meet to have something to eat or drink against a wonderful backdrop, the square being surrounded by old timber-framed houses from the Middle Ages, most of which are listed historic monuments. Located only 15 minutes on foot from our hotel here in Tours, it also serves as the perfect place to start exploring the maze of little streets winding through the city’s historic centre.

Tourism in Tours

A member of the “Cités de la Gastronomie” network, listed as a protected “City of Art and History” and the gateway to the Loire Valley with its regal fairytale castles, Tours is a place to enjoy a gentle way of life surrounded by outstanding cultural heritage.

Château de Tours

On the shady banks of the Loire, the Château de Tours features remnants from across its history. What remains of the original fortress built in the 13th century is the Tour de Guise, a regal turret from which the castle’s residents could attack invaders.

Botanical garden

Between the Loire and Cher, the botanic garden is a lovely place to visit. On the south side, visit the arboretum where its range of beautiful, fragrant trees have made it an outstanding garden. There is also a petting zoo accessible to the public.

Musée des beaux-arts

In the former archbishop's palace located between the city’s château and station and 5 minutes on foot from the hotel, the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) has an impressive collection of paintings. Its traditional French garden provides a lovely view of the cathedral.

Saint Gatien Cathedral

From its 13th century choir area to its façade of the 15th and 16th centuries, the city’s cathedral illustrates the evolution of Gothic architecture, but its crowning glory are its two Renaissance-era towers.

Old Tours

Restored in the 1970s, Old Tours, centred around Place Plumereau, is an unmissable destination just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Loire. Wander down its ever-lively, traditional winding streets with its bustling shops.

Conference Centre

The Vinci International Conference Centre, designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, hosts countless concerts, dance shows, plays and musicals each year. As the name suggests, its large auditoriums also host business meetings.