Tours Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Tours

The Roman Emperor Augustus named the city Caesarodunum (Hill of Caesar). But it was always Tours. Caesar left the Tours Ampitheatre, the largest amphitheater of the Empire. It's good to be Caesar.

Tours is located on the River Loire. It stands between Orleans and the Atlantic shore. It is famous for the Battle of Tours in 732 CE when Spanish Moors led by Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi was defeated at Poitiers by Christian army led Charles Martel. Martel's victory ensured that the rest of Europe remained Christian.

Tours has valiantly weathered it all. It is called the "White and Blue" city for the historic use of blue tiles for roofing. The White and Blue city is registered with UNESCO, and has a patrimonial site in the Old City district.

The attractions of Tours start with Tours Cathedral, dedicated to St. Gatien, the first Bishop. It was built between 1170 and 1547 to replace the previous cathedral which had burned in 1166. It is almost entirely in the Flamboyant Gothic style of the 15th century.

The Museum of Fine Arts is near to Tours Cathedral. In the courtyard there is a giant Cedar of Lebanon said to have been planted by Napoleon. In the museum, beside the collections is a stuffed elephant named "Fritz." Fritz was killed while touring with Barnum & Bailey in 1902.

In the Old City district there are medieval half-timbered buildings and the popular Place Plumereau, a square of busy pubs and restaurants. Other points of interest are The Chateau of Tours, The Basilica of St Martin, Patron Saint of Tours. The Tower of Charlemagne. There are many more, come and see.