Rue Colbert: The Oldest Street in Tours, France
Rue Colbert is the oldest street in the city of Tours, tracing its path along an ancient Gallo-Roman road. For centuries, it served as the city's primary east-west axis, connecting the Cité quarter near the cathedral with the Chateauneuf district. Its long history is reflected in its diverse architecture and connection to pivotal moments in French history.
Historical Significance and Landmarks
The street is home to numerous buildings of historical and architectural note. Many half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries still line the thoroughfare. At N°41, a house bears the sign 'À la Pucelle armée' (To the Armed Maid), commemorating the local legend that Joan of Arc had her armor crafted there in 1429.
At the western end of the street stands the Abbaye Saint Julien, whose church dates to 1240. This site played a significant role in national affairs. In 1589, King Henri III convened the Parliament of France in its chapter house, where it remained for six years. Much later, in 1920, the abbey hosted the Congress of Tours, a pivotal event in 20th-century French politics. Another notable structure is the Palais du Commerce, built between 1757 and 1759 on the site of a former cloth market, highlighting the street's long-standing commercial legacy.
Evolution and Naming
Rue Colbert's prominence as the main city artery diminished in the late 18th century with the construction of the north-south oriented Rue Nationale, which shifted the urban axis. The street received its current name in 1801 from Napoleon I. He named it after Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the finance minister of King Louis XIV, in an effort to evoke Colbert's support for the silk industry and encourage its revival in Tours.
Rue Colbert Today
Today, Rue Colbert is a lively, semi-pedestrian street in the historic heart of Tours. It is filled with a diverse array of shops, cafes, and restaurants offering various cuisines. The street remains a dynamic part of the city's commercial and tourist circuits. In 2022, the local shopkeepers' association, 'Quartier Colbert-Scellerie,' was re-established to enhance the area's visibility and appeal.
FAQ
Why is Rue Colbert a historic street in Tours?
Rue Colbert is the oldest street in Tours, originating as a Gallo-Roman road that was the city's main east-west thoroughfare for centuries. It features historic architecture, including half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries.
What is the connection between Joan of Arc and Rue Colbert?
According to local legend, Joan of Arc had her armor made on Rue Colbert in 1429. A half-timbered house at N°41 has a sign, 'À la Pucelle armée,' which commemorates this event.
Who is Rue Colbert named after?
The street was named in 1801 by Napoleon I in honor of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who was King Louis XIV's minister of finance. The name was chosen to inspire a revival of the local silk industry, which Colbert had previously supported.
What important events happened at the Abbaye Saint Julien on Rue Colbert?
In 1589, King Henri III convened the Parliament of France at the Abbaye Saint Julien, where it sat for six years. In 1920, the abbey hosted the Congress of Tours, a major event that shaped modern French politics.
