The Saint-Cosme Priory, Ronsard's home
Located just 14 minutes from Tours, the Saint-Cosme Priory is a little slice of paradise renowned for its heritage and gardens.
This former religious community is best known as the final resting place of Pierre de Ronsard.
The Renaissance poet lived there from 1565 until his death in 1585.
Founded in the Middle Ages, the Saint-Cosme Priory dates back to 1092.
Explore the historic residence where Pierre de Ronsard spent the last twenty years of his life.
It was in the Prior’s Lodging that the *Pléiade* poet continued his literary work, notably on *La Franciade* and the reissue of his complete works.
However, Ronsard also devoted himself to another passion: botany.
During your visit, you can see his bedroom, his kitchen, and his tomb amidst the ruins of the old church.
Extend your stroll outdoors, where twelve landscaped areas are laid out around the historic buildings.
Aromatic herbs and a vegetable garden are among the features of this lush setting.
In fact, nearly 350 of the approximately 500 plant species grown in the gardens appear in his writings.
Yet it is the rose so dear to the poet that symbolizes the beauty of the place.
Whether reclining on a deckchair or relaxing in a hanging chair suspended from a tree, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere to recharge your batteries.
To admire the heritage roses in bloom, plan your visit for May or June. In July and August, heirloom fruits and vegetables take center stage.
Before you leave, take a detour to the canons' refectory to admire the stained-glass windows created by painter Zao Wou-Ki in 2010.
📍 Address: Prieuré Saint-Cosme – Demeure de Ronsard, Rue Ronsard, 37520 La Riche
🕐 Opening hours: Open year-round (except Tuesdays, December 25, and January 1) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Hours vary by season.
💶 Rates: From €7.50. Free for children under 7.
To extend your cultural getaway in Touraine, stay at the Best Western Plus L’Artist Hôtel, a 4-star hotel located in the city center of Tours.
Situated on a quiet street, our hotel is just 300 meters from the Tours train station.
This makes it easy to reach the city's shops, restaurants, and main tourist attractions.
Our 53 rooms are all inspired by the world of cinema and offer all the comforts of a 4-star hotel.
During your stay, you can enjoy the lounge bar, room service, and our fitness room.
Private paid parking is also available.
This former religious community is best known as the final resting place of Pierre de Ronsard.
The Renaissance poet lived there from 1565 until his death in 1585.
Following in Ronsard’s footsteps at the Saint-Cosme Priory
Founded in the Middle Ages, the Saint-Cosme Priory dates back to 1092.
Explore the historic residence where Pierre de Ronsard spent the last twenty years of his life.
It was in the Prior’s Lodging that the *Pléiade* poet continued his literary work, notably on *La Franciade* and the reissue of his complete works.
However, Ronsard also devoted himself to another passion: botany.
During your visit, you can see his bedroom, his kitchen, and his tomb amidst the ruins of the old church.
The gardens: the poet’s other passion
Extend your stroll outdoors, where twelve landscaped areas are laid out around the historic buildings.
Aromatic herbs and a vegetable garden are among the features of this lush setting.
In fact, nearly 350 of the approximately 500 plant species grown in the gardens appear in his writings.
Yet it is the rose so dear to the poet that symbolizes the beauty of the place.
Whether reclining on a deckchair or relaxing in a hanging chair suspended from a tree, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere to recharge your batteries.
To admire the heritage roses in bloom, plan your visit for May or June. In July and August, heirloom fruits and vegetables take center stage.
Before you leave, take a detour to the canons' refectory to admire the stained-glass windows created by painter Zao Wou-Ki in 2010.
Practical information
📍 Address: Prieuré Saint-Cosme – Demeure de Ronsard, Rue Ronsard, 37520 La Riche
🕐 Opening hours: Open year-round (except Tuesdays, December 25, and January 1) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Hours vary by season.
💶 Rates: From €7.50. Free for children under 7.
Treat yourself to a stay at a 4-star hotel in Tours
To extend your cultural getaway in Touraine, stay at the Best Western Plus L’Artist Hôtel, a 4-star hotel located in the city center of Tours.
Situated on a quiet street, our hotel is just 300 meters from the Tours train station.
This makes it easy to reach the city's shops, restaurants, and main tourist attractions.
Our 53 rooms are all inspired by the world of cinema and offer all the comforts of a 4-star hotel.
During your stay, you can enjoy the lounge bar, room service, and our fitness room.
Private paid parking is also available.
