Saint-Julien church

The church of Saint-Julien

A place of worship steeped in history, the church of Saint-Julien is a contemplative stop on the Tours audio-guided tour. In the sixth century, Clovis is said to have decided to have a church built here to celebrate his victory over the Visigoths.

A survivor of many trials

Having become an abbey church, it knew many ordeals. The abbey was attacked by the Normans in 853, then damaged during the siege of Tours in 1043, and rebuilt each time. In 1224, a hurricane caused the nave to collapse. During the Revolution, sold as national property, it was for a time turned into a storehouse. In 1846 Prosper Merimee had it bought back for the archbishopric and restored to its purpose.

What to see

The church bears witness to fifteen centuries of history, from its Merovingian origins to its successive reconstructions. During the Second World War, Tours, a symbolic city, was severely tested. Visit the building in quiet and with respect for the place of worship.

Practical information

The church of Saint-Julien is in old Tours. Like any active place of worship, it is visited with respect for silence and services. Times should be checked depending on the season with the parish of Tours cathedral.

Who founded the church of Saint-Julien ?

Tradition attributes its founding to Clovis in the sixth century, after his victory over the Visigoths.

Who saved it after the Revolution ?

Prosper Merimee had it bought back in 1846 for the archbishopric, restoring its role as a church.