Born in Tours, I have never lost the deep attachment I feel for the Touraine region. In 2019, this 15th-century house came my way. It goes beyond the mere concept of possession: it is part of a broader collective memory. Situated in the heart of the Chancellerie district, right next to the cathedral, it forms part of the city’s historic fabric, where history is evident at every turn. As a trained historian, I recognised that it was a place worth preserving. I acquired it with a view to understanding, preserving and passing it on. My decision stemmed from a deep attachment to the heritage of Tours and a desire to keep its memory alive. Nothing here is insignificant: the walls, the spaces, even the silences tell a story. Today, I am setting out to write out its history, taking care to capture the true spirit of the place.
Set against a 17th-century rampart, the house has a distinctive architectural and historical presence. It features a half-timbered facade on Rue de la Scellerie, faithful to the 15th-century style, whose understated elegance immediately gives away its age. Inside, the wood panelling, antique fireplaces and exposed beams come together to form a harmonious whole, true to the spirit of the place. Stained-glass windows, dotted throughout the staircases, bathrooms and bedrooms, cast a soft, subtle light. Having been fully restored for the first time in the 1970s, the house has recently undergone a further careful restoration, carried out with due respect for its history, ensuring that it is now in a remarkable state of preservation.
Built in the 15th century, the house is situated in the heart of the Chancellerie fief in Tours, one of the city’s major heritage sites. This territory once belonged to Guillaume Juvénal des Ursins, knight, lord and baron of Treigues and Chancellor of France. Set against the Arcis ramparts, built in the 12th century to protect the town, the house blends seamlessly with this defensive architecture, which over the centuries has become wall that is lived in and a parapet walk, restored in the 15th century. Today, writing the history of the house means uncovering its layers and preserving a patient memory, etched in stone. I am currently writing the history of this house, with a view to passing on and preserving its legacy, so as to keep its memory alive and reveal its full historical significance.
The house offers a true haven of peace, perfect for rest and relaxation, in the heart of the city of Tours, which Balzac once described as “serious, romantic, fresh, flower-filled and fragrant”. A deeply historic residence, it transports its guests to another time, where every detail contributes to a rare and timeless atmosphere. Its natural coolness, which is particularly welcome in summer, makes it a haven when the heat outside becomes unbearable. The interior combines elegance and harmony: silk fabrics, antique rugs, contemporary furniture and stained-glass windows come together to create a setting designed to be an experience. Here, the past and the present come together in perfect harmony to create a stay that is both thoughtful and memorable.
La Boulangerie de la Scellerie, a long-standing institution in Tours born out of a passion for sourdough, carries on the tradition of the bakeries of yesteryear, where time is taken to craft delicious breads. In the heart of Les Halles, Olivier Arlot’s “Le Pavillon” serves simple, refined cuisine that showcases fresh, often locally sourced ingredients in a lively setting. Its rooftop terrace, overlooking the rooftops of Tours, adds to the experience. “Cave Saint-Honoré” stands out for its discerning selection of artisan winemakers who are dedicated to their craft and respectful of nature, producing authentic and expressive wines. Opposite the cathedral, “Thé chez Mimie” offers a cosy, authentic atmosphere, perfect for enjoying teas and homemade pastries.
The ground floor of the house comprises the living/dining room, which opens onto a vaulted cellar housing a jacuzzi. A kitchen with a conservatory and a toilet complete this floor. The first floor features a double bedroom with two single beds, a shower room and a separate toilet. The first floor features a second double bedroom with a 130 cm antique bed. There is a bathroom between the two floors. A staircase leads up to an attic room lit by a skylight and furnished with two 90-cm-wide Japanese-style floor beds.
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