The bright, lively capital of the Loire Valley region is nestled between two rivers: the Loire and the Cher, with the picturesque Vieux Tours old quarter lying on the long, narrow peninsula. Brilliant modern architecture contrasts against an array of historic buildings, with an added bonus of fine food and wine famed all over France.
Tours (the ‘s’ is silent) lies at the heart of Loire Châteaux Country, a legacy of the centuries when it was the capital of France and the French royal court was based in the Loire Valley. The châteaux of Chenonceau, Blois, Amboise, Cheverny, Azay, Villandry, and Chaumont are all within an hour’s drive. Quality, elegance and class are the region’s hallmarks, also famous for the vineyards surrounding the city. In the city, stylish streets are adorned by neat lines of white stone and black slate.
South of the Cher and north of the Loire extend the newer business districts. The main attraction though is the historic centre between the rivers. In medieval times, Rue Colbert was the main street. Mainly pedestrianized, it remains a domain of little shops and cafés, as well as the museums and Gothic cathedral, beautifully lit up at night. Today, the main street is the always bustling Rue Nationale, with department stores and dozens of interesting small shops.Read More
