Maison de Tristan l'Hermite à Tours, Private mansion in Tours, France
The mansion at rue Briçonnet features a stepped gable facade in brick and stone, reflecting northern European building styles. Inside, a courtyard with a gallery and a spiral staircase tower with helical vaulting showcase the craftsmanship and design skill of the period.
Built in 1495 for merchant Pierre du Puy, the house received official protection in 1862 as one of France's first classified historical monuments. This early recognition helped ensure its survival through the centuries.
The inscription "Prie Dieu pur" on the facade reflects what mattered to wealthy merchants of the late 15th century: faith and social standing. These words reveal how religious values shaped the daily life of the commercial middle class.
The property sits in central Tours and is easily located from rue Briçonnet. As a private residence, viewing is limited to the exterior, but the facade and entrance area are worth a stop while walking through the neighborhood.
The spiral staircase tower shows clear Flemish influence, which is rare in Tours and reflects the city's connections to northern Europe during that era. This sophisticated solution was costly to build and signals the owner's considerable wealth and refined taste.
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