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Origin and history

Hotel Mame is a mansion located in the Old Towers, built between 1768 and 1770 by architect Pierre Meusnier for Gilles Lefevre de Montifray, merchant and judge-consul, and his wife Catherine Thoisnier. This monument, emblematic of 18th century civil architecture, is distinguished by its central body adorned with Corinthian pilasters and an allegorical pediment. The windows, framed with crosstowers, and the rock decorations reflect the late Louis XV style.

Acquired in 1834 by Ernest Bidault, the hotel changed ownership in 1872 when Alfred Mame, a tourangeau printer-editor, became its owner. His son Paul Mame later inherited it. The Mame family, famous in publishing, is a lasting mark of the history of the place. The interior retains a wrought iron and bronze staircase, as well as 18th century woodwork, although some interior decorations date back to the 19th century.

Listed as a historic monument on July 10, 1942, Hotel Mame consists of three buildings organized around a rectangular courtyard: the main hotel, the communes, and a 19th century building. The garden gate and a stucco box ceiling dated 1840 testify to subsequent changes. The ironwork, attributed to Gamelin, and the interior woodwork make this a remarkable example of the Tourangeau heritage.

The building is located at 17-19 rue Émile-Zola (former rue de l'Archevêché), in a historic district of Tours. Its architecture, combining classical elegance and rock details, reflects the social prestige of its successive sponsors. Today, there remains a major testimony to the city's urban and cultural history.

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