Saint-Cosme de Tours Priory, La Riche, France

Saint-Cosme de Tours Priory, originally built in the 11th century, is situated on the banks of the Loire at La Riche to the west of Tours. It is famous as the last residence of poetry Pierre de Ronsard. He became its most celebrated prior when in 1565 the monks' welcomed him into their community: He lived here until his death in 1585 and was buried among his beloved roses. He divided his time between his writing, walks, prayer and gardening, taking inspiration from his peaceful surroundings.

On the site today you can see the ruins of the priory and the prior's lodge in all its austere splendour. You get to stand in Ronsard's writing room.

User Reviews

Nirmal Art (6 months ago)
Guys, all those who visit this place, please leave a review! It should be highly recommended on google maps as attraction since it is the most interesting place I have visited when I was at Tours! Not the Tours castle or the museums which were closed in a Tuesday (very confusing, but I don't regret, since I had time to visit place and it was by the end of the day)

Nathan Phelps (9 months ago)
It’s not surprising that such a beautiful and serene locale nurtured the creativity of one of the world’s great poets. Friendly staff, beautiful exhibits, lovely grounds. A must in Tours.

R. Ant (3 years ago)
Absolute an tip. Here you can relax and strole a bit around. Ok the monastery is ruined, but it is so nicely kept and arranged. The house of the poet is fully intact and can be visited. Only the highway disturb a bit, but we all drive cars?. So the visit takes about 1-2 hours, but all over the place are resting seats and hammock-seats to relax a bit. So stressfull Tours can be, so relaxing this place is. Also roses can be bought as plants. Entrance price was 6€ and parking is free. Also easy flat paths can be managed by elderly people.

Lorraine Tilbury (4 years ago)
5 mn from Tours by car, home of the famous French Renaissance poet Pierre de Ronsard. Beautiful historic site with a peaceful contemplative atmosphere. Magnificent restored Renaissance manor, combined with contemporary artists-in-residence exhibits make it a lovely short day trip near Tours.

Joel Frederiksen (7 years ago)
Super! Gardens are lovely and with a nice “fresh” touch: hammocks and comfortable chairs! Wonderful to experience this important place for a great poet, Pierre Ronsard.

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