What's behind the starry door framed by a red mosaic? The Blue Star, a 15th century building revamped with Art Deco features, was once a brothel. Closed in April 1946, the structure has retained traces of its licentious past, as its frescoes attest. The one in the drawing room depicts the last tenant, Madame Andrée, nude and surrounded by her greyhounds. Her husband died of stab wounds and her lover was sent to prison. The building, abandoned and squatted by tramps, was set to be demolished. That would have been its fate had it not been for the hundreds of residents who petitioned to save it. After discussions over how the building could be used, Tours’ recently formed Chamber of Commerce claimed it. To see what the brothel once looked like, knock at the door and stand directly in front of the peephole. If you can properly identify yourself, you may be allowed to enter. Otherwise, you will have to wait for European Heritage Day or to organise a group visit.
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