Tours is located in the department of Indre-et-Loire in the Loire Valley. A bustling town with a modern urban atmosphere, it nevertheless continues to retain much of its traditional heritage. As the largest town in Loire, Tours has a bewildering number of attractions. Modern conveniences and features are abundant, but what draws most tourists is the old town section located near Place Plumereau. The square has a number of outdoor cafes where you can sit and enjoy the sights and the crowds of people walking by. Surrounding the square are several half-timbered houses, many of them dating from the 12th to 15th century. Even more impressive are the Renaissance-period homes, which share a similar design ethos as the nearby Hotel Gouin. The building now houses a museum of archeology. Religious devotees, history buffs, and even regular tourists are especially drawn to the Cathedral Saint-Gatien, which is located near the center of town. Some parts of the cathedral were built as far back as the 12th century, although the western section was mostly constructed during the 15th century. This part of the cathedral is designed in an architectural style known as “flamboyant gothic”. Right next to the cathedral, you will find the la Psalette cloisters. Combining intricate stonework with Renaissance-era features such as an elegant staircase, the cloisters are one of the officially designated Natural Monuments in the country. Also nearby is the Archbishop's Palace, which houses the Museum of Fine Arts. After checking out the fascinating displays inside, take some time to appreciate the garden, which has a cedar tree that was supposedly planted by Napoleon himself.