Vinci Centre International de Congrès (Vinci International Congress Center), Tours

The Congress Palace (Palais des Congrès) stands as a testament to modern architectural and design prowess. Originally opened in 1993 and formerly named Vinci until 2017, the center was conceived under the architectural guidance of Jean Nouvel along with landscaper Yves Brunier. This building is strategically located opposite the Tours-Centre station and is flanked by Bernard Palissy Street and the verdant expanse of the Prefecture's public park.

The exterior of the Congress Palace is notable for its distinctive roof which projects over Boulevard Heurteloup, giving it the appearance of a "giant cap" or a "ship." This bold design is enhanced at night by neon tubes placed behind the building's glass façade, which illuminate the structure from within, creating a striking visual presence in the cityscape.

Internally, the congress center is equipped with three auditoriums tailored to varying audience sizes: the Descartes Auditorium holds 350 seats, the Pierre de Ronsard Auditorium accommodates 700, and the François-I Auditorium, the largest, houses 2000 seats. These spaces are enhanced by the scenography designed by Ducks scéno, and acoustically optimized by Puisz & Associés, ensuring high-quality sound and visual experiences for attendees.

In addition to the auditoriums, the Congress Palace features versatile multi-purpose spaces. The top floor is home to 22 committee rooms and the expansive Agnès Sorel lounge, which spans 1,500 square meters. The lower levels house the Reflets space, complete with amenities such as a bar, changing rooms, and a press room, as well as the substantial Daniel Bourdu space, measuring 2,500 square meters.

The Congress Palace serves as a hub of cultural and professional engagement, combining innovative design with functional spaces to host a wide array of events and conferences.