Tours Castle

At the height of the Loire Valley, with its many sumptuous castles, the Tours castle might not be the most jaw-dropping one you’ve ever seen. However, this modest count’s castle built in the 11th century has hosted quite a crowd! First of all, it’s built on the ancient Gallo-Roman enclosure from the 4th century that protected the ancient city. Then, in the Middle Ages, picture Tours divided into two parts: on one side, a fortified area, the canonial borough of Châteauneuf, encompassing the Basilica of Saint-Martin and the residences of the canons, and on the other side, the castle of the new Counts of Touraine, Saint-Gatien Cathedral, and the only bridge spanning the Loire. But in the 13th century, after the annexation of Touraine to the French crown, the kings of France took an interest and expanded it to turn it into a royal domain and showcase the power of the crown to the lords of the provinces. It then witnessed significant events, such as the engagement of Charles VII and Marie of Anjou or the marriage of Louis XI with Margaret of Scotland. However, over the centuries, the kings grew tired of it and abandoned it in favor of the new Renaissance-style castles that were popping up along the Loire. It even ended up being dismantled in the late 18th century when it was decided to use its stones in the development of the quays. In the 19th century, the army took over the place and built the Mars residence that you see between the two medieval towers. Then, in the 20th century, it was finally the city of Tours that took over everything and entrusted its restoration to the Companions of Duty, transforming it into an artistic exhibition space. Entrance fees apply.