Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hôtel du Carte Fleury, located on 2 rue du Carte-Fleuri in Tours (Indre-et-Loire), is an emblematic building of the second half of the 16th century, although some parts, such as the north facade, date back to the 15th century. Its name comes from a carved basket filled with flowers, still visible on the wall, symbol of the original sign of the establishment. The most remarkable element of the monument is its ground baluster helical staircase, backed by two facades and equipped with a landing on each floor. This staircase, inscribed in historical monuments since 1946, illustrates the architectural ingenuity of the period, with an integrated water drainage system via a gutter and a narrow passage connecting the courtyard to the street.

The main house body, of medieval origin, has traces of successive transformations: a bay in the middle of the corner and covers of a large work attest to its evolution, while 15th century bays remain on Rue des Bons-Enfants and the courtyard. In the 17th century, the house was enlarged with the addition of a rotating staircase and a new building body to the south, completing a vaulted basement in a cradle. The hotel, still in operation in the 18th century, reflects the importance of reception establishments in a city such as Tours, commercial and cultural crossroads under the Old Regime.

The inscription to the historic monuments in 1946 concerned only the stairway and facades to which it was backed, highlighting their heritage value. Available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum, Merimée base) also mention practical elements, such as the exact address (Insee code 37261) and an approximate GPS location, but no details of current accessibility (visits, accommodation) are specified. The monument thus embodies both the Renaissance architectural heritage and the functional adaptations of the following centuries.

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