Immersive guided tour of Tours in the 13th century.

Key Points

• Price: Only $23 per person for a 1.5-hour guided experience.
• Guide: Led by Mahaut, a guide in historical costume who brings the 13th century to life.
• Language: Conducted entirely in French, offering an authentic language experience.
• Main Sites: Visits include Place Plumereau, rue du change, and Tour de l’Horloge.
• Content Focus: Explores Martinopole’s history, pilgrimages, trade, and female warriors.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most adults, but not recommended for children under 7.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Tours in the Heart of the 13th Century Loire Valley

This immersive guided tour of Tours offers a detailed look at the city during the 13th century. Led by Mahaut, a guide attired in historical costume, the tour transports visitors to an era when Tours was divided into two distinct parts under the rule of King Philip Augustus. For just $23, in about 1.5 hours, travelers gain a lively, engaging view of this turbulent period, complete with stories of pilgrimages, trade, and even female warriors who defied conventions.

While the tour is conducted entirely in French, the storytelling style and visual reenactments make it accessible and enjoyable even for non-fluent speakers with basic knowledge of the language. The experience is ideal for those interested in history, urban legend, and medieval life, especially since it offers an unconventional, playful approach suited for all ages—though children under 7 are not recommended.

Key Points

• Affordable price at just $23 per person for a detailed 1.5-hour experience.
• Led by Mahaut, a lively guide dressed in historical outfit, bringing authenticity to the storytelling.
• All in French, making it a perfect experience for language learners or Francophiles.
• Iconic stops include Place Plumereau, rue du change, and Tour de l’Horloge.
• Focus on Martinopole’s history, pilgrimages, trade development, and female warriors.
• Tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most adults, but not ideal for very young children.

Starting Point at Placais de la Lamproie: Stepping into the Past

The tour begins at Placais de la Lamproie, where the guide stands out with her costumed appearance, signaling the start of the 13th-century journey. From this central spot, the guide explains the historical context of Tours during this period, including the division into two main parts—the bishop’s city in the east and Martinopole in the west.

This initial setting sets the tone for the entire experience, with vivid descriptions of cathedrals under construction, pilgrimage routes, and economic growth centered around Saint Martin’s relics. The setting also offers a glimpse into medieval urban life, with the Place Plumereau serving as a lively hub that remains iconic today.

Visiting Iconic Sites: From the Town Square to the Clock Tower

Throughout the tour, visitors explore several key locations, each with its own story to tell. The Place Plumereau stands out as a bustling square, historically significant for social gatherings and market activities. Rue du Change reveals medieval commercial life, once the hub of currency exchange and trade.

The Tour de l’Horloge, or Clock Tower, offers insight into the city’s defenses and civic pride during the 13th century. Together, these sites paint a picture of a city at war, in religious fervor, and in economic transition.

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The Role of Women: Mahaut’s Unique Perspective

A highlight of this tour is how it challenges preconceptions about women in medieval society. Mahaut, the guide, recounts her own upbringing near Saint Martin’s Abbey, where she received an extraordinary education. She shares stories of female warriors who took up arms in place of their fathers, illustrating the unexpected roles women played in defending their community.

This perspective makes the tour not just a history lesson but a reinterpretation of gender roles during the 13th century, emphasizing courage, protection, and agency.

Exploring the Development of Religious and Economic Power

The tour describes Martinopole’s growth as a religious and economic hub around the basilica that grew from the abbey. The relics of Saint Martin attract pilgrims and merchants, fueling trade and urban development.

Participants learn how religious orders expanded during this period and how new currencies came into circulation to support commerce. The economic boom around the basilica and urban militias played vital roles in protecting relics and maintaining order amid the kingdom’s turbulent times.

The Urban Battle for Control: Defenses and Conflicts

Tours’ strategic importance in the 13th century meant that its population and relics needed protection from external threats. The Tour de l’Horloge and other fortifications showcase medieval defenses designed to safeguard the city during wars and internal conflicts.

The guide explains how the envious bishop and local powers vied for influence, shaping the city’s architecture and political landscape. This focus on urban security highlights the challenges of maintaining stability in a kingdom at war.

The Interactive Experience in Historical Costume

A distinctive feature of this tour is the live reenactment by the guide wearing authentic period clothing. This interactive approach makes the 13th-century world tangible; the guide passionately narrates stories, giving life to historical figures and events.

This method keeps the tour engaging for adults and older children, making history feel fun and accessible rather than dry. The playful tone is especially appreciated by those seeking an entertaining yet educational experience.

Practicalities: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and Language

The meeting point at Placais de la Lamproie is easy to find thanks to the guide’s costumed appearance, signaling the start of the experience. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it available for a broader audience.

While the entire experience is conducted in French, it remains suitable for non-native speakers with some understanding, and the visual storytelling aids comprehension. No food or drinks are included, and the tour does not offer hotel pickup or drop-off; visitors should plan accordingly.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This guided tour is ideal for history enthusiasts interested in medieval France, especially the 13th century. It appeals to adults and older children who enjoy interactive storytelling and urban exploration.

Since the tour is in French, it suits those comfortable with the language or eager to practice it. The playful, unconventional style makes it a refreshing alternative to traditional city walks and perfect for families or history buffs looking for a more lively experience.

This 1.5-hour guided walk in Tours offers a cost-effective, entertaining, and informative dive into the city’s history during the 13th century. Led by Mahaut, the guide in period costume, it brings alive the urban division, religious pilgrimages, and military defenses that shaped the city.

Although conducted entirely in French, the visual storytelling and dynamic narration make it accessible and fun. The tour’s emphasis on women’s roles and urban development provides a fresh perspective on a turbulent time.

Overall, this tour will delight history lovers, families, and language enthusiasts seeking an authentic, playful journey through Tours’ medieval past. Its affordable price, flexible scheduling, and unique approach make it an experience worth considering during any visit to the Loire Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 7 years due to the nature of the storytelling and theme complexity.

In what language is the tour conducted?
The tour is entirely in French.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It starts at Placais de la Lamproie in Tours.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What are the main sites visited?
Visitors explore Place Plumereau, rue du change, and Tour de l’Horloge among other historic locations.

What themes does the tour cover?
It covers Martinopole’s history, pilgrimages, trade, urban defenses, and female warriors.

What is included in the price?
The 1.5-hour guided tour led in period costume is included; food, drinks, and hotel transport are not included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $23 per person.

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