Tours

a city of France. It is situated on the left bank of the Loire about 120 miles southwest of Paris. The river is spanned by a notable bridge 1,423 feet long. The banks, like those of the Seine in Paris, are inclosed by a quay along which are handsome houses and stately promenades. There are manufactures of silks, ribbons, and woolen goods, rugs, chemicals, and leather. A large provincial trade is carried on in wheat, wine, honey, wax, dried fruits, hemp, and wool. The more pretentious buildings are the bishop's palace and the cathedral. The latter is celebrated for its domed exterior, a Gothic interior, and beautiful stained glass windows. The famous battle of Tours was fought near this city in 732. In this engagement Charles Martel defeated the Saracen invaders and drove them back towards Spain. Several church councils met at Tours. In 1870, when Paris was invested by the Germans, the seat of government was removed temporarily to Tours. The population in 1910 was about 70,000.