Cloître de la Psalette
Soaring 15th-century cloisters where Saint Gatien's Cathedral artists once illuminated manuscripts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Open hours for exploration
Cloître de la Psalette
Best Time
Open hours for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soaring 15th-century cloisters where Saint Gatien's Cathedral artists once illuminated manuscripts.
"Well worth the 4 euros to visit the cloisters. Do take the information leaflet and read it as you go round."
Take the Leaflet! :page_facing_up:
Grab the info leaflet to understand the history and architecture as you explore.
Not Wheelchair Accessible :no_entry:
Be aware of the narrow spiral staircase; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
15th-Century Architecture
Cloisters
Marvel at the soaring arches and intricate details of these historic cloisters, once a hub for artists and scholars.
Spiral Staircase
North-East Corner
Ascend the magnificent spiral staircase for unique perspectives and a glimpse into medieval craftsmanship.
Cathedral Views
Upper Galleries
Enjoy beautiful views of Saint Gatien's Cathedral from the upper levels of the cloisters.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Take the Leaflet! :page_facing_up:
Grab the info leaflet to understand the history and architecture as you explore.
Not Wheelchair Accessible :no_entry:
Be aware of the narrow spiral staircase; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Historical Context :scroll:
Imagine artists illuminating manuscripts and scholars studying here centuries ago.
Tips
from all over the internet
Take the Leaflet! :page_facing_up:
Grab the info leaflet to understand the history and architecture as you explore.
Not Wheelchair Accessible :no_entry:
Be aware of the narrow spiral staircase; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Historical Context :scroll:
Imagine artists illuminating manuscripts and scholars studying here centuries ago.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cloître de la Psalette to be a worthwhile visit, particularly for its beautiful 15th-century architecture and historical significance as a former center for manuscript illumination. While some note the upper rooms are bare, the spiral staircase and views of the cathedral are often highlighted as impressive features. The main drawback mentioned is the lack of accessibility for those with mobility issues or strollers due to the spiral staircase.
"Well worth the 4 euros to visit the cloisters. Do take the information leaflet and read it as you go round. There is some amazing architecture on show however it is rather bare in the upper rooms. Be aware it is not accessible by wheelchair or pushchair as you have to ascend a narrow spiral staircase."
Alex McMullan
"Simply Amazing!"
Eric Trip
"Top"
vittorio gigliotti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cloître de la Psalette is located within the precincts of Cathédral St-Gatien. You can typically walk to it from the city center of Tours.
While there isn't specific parking for the cloisters, there are public parking options available in the vicinity of Cathédral St-Gatien in Tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cloisters are generally open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes.
Admission is typically around 5.00 EUR per person.
Unfortunately, access is via a narrow spiral staircase, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site. Booking in advance is generally not required, but it's wise to check during peak tourist seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautiful 15th-century cloisters, admire the architecture, and ascend a spiral staircase to the upper rooms which offer views of the cathedral.
While official guided tours might not always be advertised, taking the provided information leaflet can greatly enhance your understanding of the site's history.
Historically, it was a place of work for the canons of Cathédral St-Gatien and housed a scriptorium and library, making it a cultural hub for manuscript copying and education.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to be respectful of the historical site and other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The arches of the cloisters themselves offer great architectural shots. The spiral staircase provides a unique perspective, and the views of the cathedral from the upper levels are also picturesque.
Yes, the upper galleries of the cloisters offer beautiful vantage points for photographing Saint Gatien's Cathedral.
Afternoon light can be lovely for illuminating the stone architecture, but check for any ongoing construction that might affect views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Take your time to absorb the atmosphere and consider the historical context provided by the information leaflet. The architectural details, especially the spiral staircase, are also points of interest for anyone appreciating historical construction techniques.
Architecture Aficionados
Don't miss the views of the Cathédral St-Gatien from the upper levels, offering a different perspective on the cathedral's grandeur and its relationship with the cloisters. The artesoan ceiling at the top of the staircase adds a decorative flourish.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Life
Visitors can still feel the echoes of this history as they walk through the remaining three galleries. The spiral staircase, a marvel of 15th-century engineering, leads to the upper levels. While the upper rooms themselves may appear bare today, they once housed important activities and offered strategic views. The very existence of these cloisters, attached to the Cathédral St-Gatien, underscores the integral role of religious institutions in medieval society, fostering both spiritual devotion and scholarly advancement.
Architectural Details to Appreciate
The magnificent spiral staircase is a highlight, a testament to the ingenuity of medieval builders. Its design allows for efficient access to the upper floors while maintaining a relatively compact footprint. The way it opens to the exterior through large windows is a beautiful design element. Inside, the central column draws the eye upwards, culminating in an artesoan ceiling at the top, adding a touch of decorative splendor to this functional element.
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