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Historic neighborhood · Tours, Centro-Vale do Loire
Vieux Tours et Place Plumereau
Historic centre of Tours, with half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries around Place Plumereau, the square of cafés and restaurants.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vieux Tours et Place Plumereau
Vieux Tours is the old center of Tours, made up of neighborhoods that grew around the Roman town, Saint-Gatien, and the pilgrimage quarter of Saint-Martin. In 1356 these neighborhoods were enclosed by a common wall and came to form a single city.
The heart of the quarter is Place Plumereau, known as place Plum', lined with half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. Today the square is taken over by cafés and restaurant tables and is lively from morning until late at night.
The surrounding streets, such as rue Briçonnet, rue du Change and rue de la Rôtisserie, preserve old facades, courtyards and stone gateways. Nearby are the Basilique Saint-Martin and the towers that remain of the former collegiate church.
The neighborhood is best explored on foot and serves as a starting point for those arriving by train: Gare de Tours is about a 15-minute walk away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 2 hours of walking, plus time for a meal in the square.
Best time
In the morning, to see the facades with the streets quiet; in the late afternoon and evening, for the cafés' atmosphere. In the European summer (June–August), tables stay outdoors late into the evening.
How to get there
On foot from Gare de Tours, about 15 minutes, following rue Nationale and turning left toward rue du Commerce. The tram (tramway) stops on rue Nationale, near the quarter.
Tip
Also stroll down the side streets off the square, where the oldest facades and quieter corners are. Watch your belongings in crowded places.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vieux Tours et Place Plumereau
What to see in Vieux Tours besides Place Plumereau?
The streets Briçonnet, du Change and de la Rôtisserie, with half-timbered houses, the Basilique Saint-Martin and the towers Charlemagne and de l'Horloge, remnants of the former collegiate church.
Is Place Plumereau good for dinner?
Yes. The square and surrounding streets are full of cafés, bars and restaurants with outdoor seating. Dinner usually starts from 19:30.
How long does it take from the station to Vieux Tours?
About a 15-minute walk from Gare de Tours. You can also take the tram to rue Nationale.