Place du Grand Marché (Main Market/Monster Square), Tours

Place du Grand Marché (Main Market/Monster Square), Tours

Looking like a not so handsome cousin of The Hulk, only paler, the "Monster " dominates the Place du Grand Marche also known as "Monster Square."

The square had been known as the Main Market since the 15th century. In those days there may have been statues of monsters but they looked not so comically forbidding. The Market Square was simply an area between High Street and St. Clement.

In the 16th century Pierre Germain Valencia and his son erected the largest fountain in the city there. The fountain was 26 feet high and 20 feet across. Now the "Monster" stands in its place.

In 1845 the Square was enlarged by eliminating some butcher shops in the northern part of the square. By municipal decree of January 1905, the name of the square officially became Place du Grande Marche.

The square is surrounded by 15th century houses and shops jammed together in a row.

Today the tradition of market carries on with the unique Saint Anne Garlic and Basil Fair in July. It's a great time to stock up on garlic, shallots, onions and basil. A true festival of Touraine region. This is no longer the primary purpose in the Square. The Market Halls are but a short walk away.

The flea markets may not be the answer, but the square is still very rambunctious. Bars, restaurants and shops are plenty and then there is the Monster. Somehow this incongruous thing forms a missing link between the middle ages and the age of Mickey Mouse.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tours. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Place du Grand Marché (Main Market/Monster Square) on Map

Sight Name: Place du Grand Marché (Main Market/Monster Square)
Sight Location: Tours, France (See walking tours in Tours)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Tours, France

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