Hôtel Gouin (Gouin House), Tours

The Gouin House (Hôtel Goüin), located in Tours, is a historic mansion with a rich architectural and cultural history. Built in the 15th century, the mansion was mistakenly believed to have been the residence of Jean de Xaincoings, a treasurer for Charles VII. However, historical records clarify that its original owner was René Gardette, a descendant of a prominent silk merchant family from Tours.

In the 16th century, the facade of the building underwent significant modifications, including the addition of a porch and loggia in the early Renaissance style, as well as a new left wing. Notably, the sub-basement of the Hôtel Goüin preserves remnants from the Gallo-Roman period, linking it to the ancient past of the region.

The building's modern name derives from the Goüin family, affluent Breton bankers who acquired it in 1738. They made substantial improvements, such as adding a balcony over the rear courtyard, demolishing adjacent houses to enlarge the southern yard, and constructing a new entry gate. These modifications significantly altered the building's structure and appearance.

World War II brought devastation to the Hôtel Goüin when it was nearly destroyed by bombings in 1944, leaving only the facade standing. The 1950s saw partial restoration efforts, primarily focusing on the main accommodation and the entrance, though the original garden and north yard were lost and never restored.

Today, the building is home to the Goüin Museum and previously housed the Touraine Archeological Society. Its cultural significance was highlighted in 1967 when it was featured on a 0.40 franc postage stamp issued for the 40th Congress of the French Federation of Philatelic Societies - this marked recognition of the building’s architectural and historical value within the broader context of French heritage.