Timeline

Origin and history

The houses located on Rue du Grand-Marché in Tours date mainly from the 15th century, as evidenced by their architectural characteristics. They have a typical structure of medieval urban houses, with three floors above the ground floor. The first and second floors are in corbellation, a common technique at the time to gain space by overlooking the street. Cornel poles, ground in the shape of columns, are supported by carved consoles, although these have now disappeared. The south facade, covered with slates, was modified in the 18th century with the addition of wrought iron balconies, while the west facade retained its original appearance almost intact.

The house was registered as a Historical Monument by order of 7 September 1946, specifically protecting the south and west facades and the roof. This ranking underscores its heritage importance, despite subsequent changes such as the balcony grids added in the 18th century. The precise location at 41 rue du Grand-Marché makes it a notable part of the historic centre of Tours, in the department of Indre-et-Loire. The accuracy of its geographic location is estimated to be fair, possibly reflecting minor uncertainties in archives or surveys.

These houses illustrate the architectural evolution between the Middle Ages and the modern era, with medieval elements preserved despite later adaptations. Their current ownership belongs to a private company, which limits their accessibility to the public. The absence of any mention of a specific current use (visit, rental, guest rooms) suggests that they are probably used for private residential or commercial use, without any particular tourist vocation.

External links