Préfecture de Tours, Tours

The Prefecture of Tours, located in the Old Tours area, serves as the main administrative building for the Indre-et-Loire department. This significant structure occupies the historic site of the former Visitation convent, which was repurposed between 1806 and 1811 under the architectural direction of François Derouet, a notable engineer and architect of the time.

The building is famed not only for its administrative role but also for its architectural and historical elements, including the ornate wrought iron gate at the main entrance. This gate, originally from the Abbey of Beaumont-lès-Tours and dating back to 1785, has been classified as a historic monument since 1917. The Préfecture's historical importance is further underscored by its role during World War II, notably hosting the meeting of the Supreme Interallied Council on June 13, 1940.

Post the French Revolution, the disused convent buildings were converted to house the prefecture's administrative functions, a role they have continued to fulfill since 1806. Today, the Prefecture of Tours, located on Bernard Palissy Street, is not only a center for departmental administration but also a cultural landmark. Its expansive gardens and the surrounding complex are popular among tourists and locals alike, offering a scenic and historically rich stroll through the heart of Tours.