Every design for Joué-Lès-Tours

Joué-lès-Tours first appears in the sixth century as Gaudiacus, built on the Christian name Gaudius, meaning 'fortunate', and the place has done well out of its position. It is now the largest suburb of Tours, adjoining the city on the south-west, with the Cher marking a short stretch of its northern edge.

What sets it apart is how much older history survives among the modern streets. The ruins of the Arche du Pin, the Château de Beaulieu, the Château de la Crouzillière and manor houses such as the Manoir de Chérizy are all protected monuments. The town also has newer landmarks: Le Temps Machine, a concert hall opened in 2011 and since recognised as remarkable contemporary architecture. In 2010 the mayor even added the word laïcité beneath the national motto on the town hall's façade. Day to day, life moves between the neighbourhoods, the green bocage of La Gloriette and the banks of the Cher and the Petit Cher.

If you grew up here, this map holds the walks by the river, the trips into Tours and the nights at Le Temps Machine.