Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours Temple
Large basilica built over Saint Martin's tomb
In Tours, the Basilica of Saint Martin marks the site associated with the saint and features 19th‑century restoration work; visitors combine religious history with Loire Valley exploration.
Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours at a Glance#
Address: Tours, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Hours: Open seasonally; check local schedules for mass times
About Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours#
The Basilica of Saint Martin in Tours is a major pilgrimage church built to enshrine the tomb and relics of Saint Martin of Tours; the present structure dates largely from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is one of the principal religious landmarks of Tours.
Pilgrims and visitors come to venerate the shrine of Saint Martin and to view the basilica’s large domed structure, crypt and towers. The building’s size and architectural form make it a dominant landmark on the Tours skyline.
The cult of Saint Martin dates to the 4th century, and a succession of churches stood on the site in medieval and later periods. The medieval basilica was replaced by the current neo-Byzantine/neo-Romanesque building constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s to accommodate modern pilgrimage needs.
The basilica is located in the city of Tours in the Indre-et-Loire department of central France, within the Loire Valley region.
- Relics and date: Built to enshrine the tomb and relics of Saint Martin, the present basilica is primarily a late 19th to early 20th-century construction reflecting neo-Byzantine and neo-Romanesque styles.
What to See#
- Main basilica and shrine: The main basilica building, largely rebuilt in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, houses the shrine and relics associated with Saint Martin of Tours and features a prominent dome and towers visible across Tours.
How to Get to Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours#
The basilica is in Tours town center, a short walk from Tours train station. Regional TER trains connect Tours with nearby cities; local buses and taxis provide additional links.
Tips for Visiting Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours#
- Visit late afternoon to see the basilica's stained glass pick up the softer light.
- Check for visiting hours around liturgy - some chapels may be closed during services.
Best Time to Visit Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours#
Spring and early autumn provide the best combination of weather and lighter pedestrian traffic for visiting religious sites in Tours.
Weather & Climate near Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours#
Basilica of Saint Martin, Tours's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (661 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 60 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 2° | 61 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| March | Good | 4° - 12° | 6° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 5° - 15° | 10° | 53 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 61 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 17° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 3.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 38 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 3.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Very Good | 11° - 22° | 17° | 53 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 64 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 67 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
