Wilson Bridge

The Wilson bridge

The Wilson bridge, an airy stop on the Tours audio-guided tour, offers a lovely view over the banks of the Loire and a fine perspective on rue Nationale. It is the oldest bridge in the city.

The stone bridge

Built from 1765, the bridge with its fifteen stone arches spans the Loire. Locals simply call it the stone bridge, although it was named in honour of Woodrow Wilson, president of the United States and ally of France during the First World War.

What to see

The bridge collapsed in 1978, without any casualties. By referendum, residents chose to consolidate the old stone and rebuild the rest in concrete. Now listed as a historic monument, it links the two banks; do explore the landscaped banks on each side.

Practical information

The Wilson bridge extends rue Nationale and spans the Loire in the centre of Tours. Freely accessible, it can be crossed on foot at any time and offers fine views of the river.

Why is the Wilson bridge called the stone bridge ?

It is the oldest bridge in Tours, with its fifteen stone arches; locals gave it this nickname.

What happened in 1978 ?

Part of the bridge collapsed, without casualties, before being rebuilt while keeping the old stone.