The 9 things to do in Tours

Because France also has small urban jewelry, discover the must-see things to visit in Tours, the white and blue city of the banks of the Loire!

The centre of an amusement area of more than half a million inhabitants, Tours is full of surprises and has a lot to offer. Located on the edges of the Loire, the city of Tourangelle shines through many aspects: cultural, architectural, historical or natural...

In addition, it is dynamic and animated by some 30,000 students who bring a young breath to the city whose history has left old witnesses. Discover these must-have things to do in Tours, oscillating between modernity and tradition, all decorated with the freshness transported by the Loire that crosses it from east to west.

Good plan: the Tours City Pass

Tours City Pass is a ticket that will give you free access to many tourist and cultural sites in the city. You also receive discounts from merchants and partner activities.

Like other city passes, it is possible to choose its duration: 24, 48 or 72 hours at the respective prices 20, 30 and 40 € . It remains valid. one year after the purchase date.

1. Castles of the Loire

The city of Tours is crossed by the Loire. And who says Loire says Loire castles. These French emblems delight each year thousands of visitors who have come to discover their singularities.

These castles, planted along the river, are illustrious monuments, well preserved and always as attractive as to their firstfruits.

Those who interest us today for your future visit to Tours are the castles (and noble gardens) of Villandry , Five-Mars , domain of County and fortress of Montbazon . All located less than 15 kilometres They are easily accessible by car.

The Castle of Tours

Also located on the banks of the Loire, this castle is one of the must-sees in Tours. Its beginning of construction dates back to the 11th century where it was initially only a dungeon and some outbuildings. Today it has become a symbol of the city, with its long history.

But it is also a cultural centre, where there are two museums, including the Musée d’Art Contemporain and the Atelier d’Histoire de Tours and two libraries specialized in archaeology.

Finally, it is at the Château de Tours that you will find numerous exhibitions (10-12 a year) on various themes, but still under the prism of art.

2. The historic centre

The city centre is obviously one of the most important things to do in Tours! Charming to the possible, authentic to wish, the Vieux-Tours has very lively historic quarters!

Many houses with doves border the very busy place Plumereau . It is a place surrounded by the bars and restaurants that ceremony it, thus galvanizing the festive atmosphere that reigns in it alleviously.

But you also have to take a ride on Place du Grand Marché where stands a statue dedicated to Plumereau.

Other interesting place of the city: the passage of the Naval Heart . Don't miss your visit to Tours. It is a narrow covered alley linking Colbert Street and Place Foire-le-Roi. It is not precisely dated but it could be there since the sixteenth century. His name would find his origin to the convicts who then crossed her to join the Place Foire-le-Roi... where the executions were held.

Architectural worshippers will not fail to observe all the facades of buildings and buildings. Whether on Place Plumereau with some houses dating from the 15th century, or along the rue du Commerce, including the Goüin hotel and its rare Renaissance architecture.

3. The Contemporary Creation Center of Olivier Debré

Amateurs and art lovers, get up! The Centre of Contemporary Creation Olivier Debré – or CCCOD – is the peanut reference in artistic gallery! Located in the city centre, this huge centre promotes art in its most beautiful aspect, through various events and exhibitions.

Throughout the year, discover with curiosity the interior of the first contemporary art centre created in 1994 and adopted by the Ministry of Culture and Communication.

In 1997, CCCOD developed a new mission, that of an artist’s agency. Through this label, some artists are accompanied and supported in the realization of their works.

4. Discover local gastronomy

What better to discover a city than to taste its specialties? It is still one of the most important things to do in Tours, the International City of Gastronomy. Taste rillettes and rillons on fresh bread from one of the many bakeries in the city.

Also discover the macarons of Cormery, these delicacies that are far from resembling those imagined from the outset. However, these macarons remain delights to taste once in his life!

It is also inside the Halles de Tours you will find the freshest and tasteful local products, in a very popular and popular vegetable atmosphere of the inhabitants.

If you want to stop and enjoy yourself, we recommend you to pause at the restaurant Casse-Cailloux . It is held by the Chef Hervé Chardonneau and is very famous around.

5. Visit Bike Tours

Very common practice, visiting a city by bike allows to have a completely different view. So, you imagine that if you’re advised to visit Bike Tours, it’s worth a look!

Through circuits that differ according to the service providers (but, finally, you all see the same thing, i.e., the must-sees of Tours), walk through the alleys sealed on your bike and let yourself go to contemplation.

To you the banks and the bridges clinging to the Loire. It is also a good way to rediscover what has already been visited, such as Old Town and its medieval quarter.

6. Museums of Tours

Cultural city, as has already been mentioned several times, the city of Tours obviously has very interesting museums. In the image of Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History Museum which, traditionally, reveals many times and natures (morts or living) through their permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The first is located in the old episcopal palace of the city, while the second borders the Place Anatole France, near the Loire. It is also one of the most damaged buildings in the Second World War, losing almost all of its collections.

But visiting Tours is also discovering atypical museums, such as Companion Museum , developed in the Abbey of Saint-Julien and presenting the productions of the Companions of the Devoir (community movement focused on learning values and the love of well done work, for young people as early as 15 years old).

7. Tasting local wines

What would your stay in Tours without a wine tasting? Raty! Indeed, tasting wines from such a wine region is one of the most important things to do in Tours.

The Touraine vineyard is large and includes many grape varieties that develop perfectly with the soils of the region and the local climate.

For example, these are not less 10 varieties AOC that can be found in a nearby radius: Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil, Touraine, Montlouis-sur-Loire and other Touraine with compound names (Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau, Touraine-Amboise, etc...).

If you enjoy the red wine, you will be served. Moreover, there are tours of the wines from Tours so that you can discover a maximum while delighting you from the landscapes.

8. Religious buildings

Like all cities with a long history, Tours has some religious buildings that testify to a more spiritual past.

They are many but some of these religious buildings come out of the lot, like the Basilica Saint-Martin and its white façade with a very recognizable neo-byzantine style. It is recent (XIXth century) and located in Old Town, facing the Tour Charlemagne , a vestige of the old basilica, also dedicated to Saint-Martin-de-Tours.

During your visit to Tours, do not miss the Saint-Gatien Cathedral , whose construction began in the 12th century and was completed in the 16th century. It is a high place of art and history, especially because of its impressive architectural style. Note that its two towers reach a height close to 70 metres !

9. Walking on the banks of the Loire and its two islands

Nothing like enjoying a stay in Tours to stroll a bit on the banks of the Loire. On the north and south side, the city is unveiled under its most beautiful surroundings.

Observe the ancestral and traditional facades, imprints of modernity and life. At every step, you enjoy this city a little more with incommensurable charm.

Enjoy it to contemplate the two islands that cut the Loire: the island Aucard and island Simon . You can access the island Aucard via the Saint-Symphorien reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. As for Simon Island, its access is made by the bridge Napoleon who stirs her up.

These two islands are very treed relaxation areas with some amenities, including Simon Island which houses the Honoré Park of Balzac in honour of the writer born to a tourangeau. Besides, it is sometimes called Balzac Island.

Go further...

• The botanical garden of Tours;
• The garden of the Prébendes d’Oé;
• The city hotel;
• Attend an opera at the Grand Théâtre de Tours;
• Browse the Loire... or the Cher ;
• Cities around : Blois, Poitiers, Orleans, Le Mans, Angers...

How to get to Tours?

By car

Like many large cities, there are several ways to get to Tours. First, the easiest one is the car because the city is bordered by no less than 3 highways: the A28 the North, the A10 by the East and the A85 which passes south.

The city is served by the car lines, which you might find interesting according to your departure city.

By train

The train option is very interesting given the speed of the journey between Paris Montparnasse train station and Tours: 1 hour Only! The station of Tours also offers routes to Massy (Orly), Marne-la-Vallée or Roissy, among other French destinations.

By plane

Finally, to go to Tours by plane, you must consider arriving via Nantes (220 kilometers) if you do not arrive Marseille , because it is the only city with which the tourangeau airport has a direct line. You can quite imagine making a stopover in Marseille, in this case. It will be up to you to see what is most convenient for you.

First of all, see an online flight comparison as Skyscanner to learn more about current offers.

Where to sleep in Tours?

Beyond discovering all the essential things to do in Tours, remember that you will need to rest. Fortunately, it was a city that kept the balance between historical tradition and urban modernity. Thus, it is a nice mix that it offers us in terms of accommodation.

If you wish to stay in the Old House, you will be welcomed in authentic buildings with modern comfort. In addition, you will be close to the great attractions of the city. Hotels and Airbnb are available at timeson and for all types of budgets.

Other places, other atmosphere, Beaujardin and Grammont neighborhoods are not left behind. They are quieter because excentrated from the urban tumult animating the city center. These are more humid and discreet areas that still have an important housing offer.

To give you an idea of the budget to be allocated, go to a Compare hotels or on the site Airbnb , where you can choose accommodation adapted to your needs and desires.