Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre Le Logis, Tours

History buffs or the simply curious, head to the Hôtel des Ducs de Touraine, on Place Châteauneuf, to learn all about the urban development of Tours over the centuries.

Town of art and history Discover Tours at Le Logis

It’s always a great pleasure to wander around Tours. As you stroll through the shops and restaurants, you’ll also come across some fine examples of architecture that reflect different eras. From the town hall built in the early 20th century to the pretty timber-framed houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, you’ll be travelling through time. To go a little further than just the pleasure of the eyes, visit the Centre d’Interprétation de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (CIAP). Or at least its prefiguration: in 2027, it will take on its definitive form when it moves into the Governor’s Lodgings, near Tours Castle.

Discover Tours

, this cultural facility is linked to Tours’ membership of the Villes et Pays d’art et d’histoire network. The aim is to help visitors understand “the making of the city”: from 10,000 inhabitants in 1400 to 137,000 today, many urban transformations have taken place!

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Digital education at Le Logis

Immerse yourself in the history of the city of Tours thanks to some attractive mediation media. In addition to information panels topped by video screens, a large digital painting based on a 1625 print highlights the various buildings in succession, with a legend attached to each. Churches, river ports, mills, slaughterhouses, the Eudes Bridge, the Château du Plessis-lès-Tours (residence of Louis XI)… each element bears witness to a small part of the great history of Tours.

Le Logis Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (CIAP) in Tours — ©The Logis (CIAP)|Ville de Tours - F Lafite

More interactive, a 3D sphere delivers different views of Tours as your fingers point across the touchscreen. In particular, discover the original size of the former medieval collegiate church of Saint-Martin, of which only the Charlemagne and Clock towers have survived. Its dimensions (112 metres long, 70 metres wide) were greater than those of Saint-Gatien Cathedral! And don’t forget to try out the virtual reality headset for another digital immersion experience: here you are at the heart of Marmoutier Abbey!

Extend your discovery of Tours!

After your visit to the Logis, let yourself be tempted by a stay in the heart of Tours. Find the perfect accommodation, savour the local gastronomy and explore other heritage treasures.

Le Logis : Préfiguration du Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine