Travel to Tours - Loire Valley - France

Discover Tours's Wonders

Tours is the capital of the Indre-et-Loire departement, located on the lower reaches of the River Loire, between Orléans and the Atlantic coast. Touraine, the region around Tours, is known for its wines, the alleged perfection (as perceived by some speakers) of its local spoken French, and for the famous Battle of Tours in 732. It is also the site of the cycling race Paris-Tours.

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Description

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.

Useful information

Population:

Approximately 140,000

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Police: 17
Ambulance: 15/112
Fire Brigade: 18

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 9 am-12 pm and 3-7 pm. Most supermarkets are open Mondays to Saturdays between 8.30 am-12.30 pm and 3-7.30 pm, and have late closing on certain days. Most museums and sights keep similar hours, but are closed one day a week, usually Monday or Tuesday.

Do & See

Cathedral St Gatien

The beautiful stained glass windows illuminate Cathedral St Gatien. This majestic building includes Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, a real gem for everyone interested in architecture.

Cloister of la Psalette

In these lovely Gothic-Renaissance cloisters, an elaborate open-sided staircase spirals up to elegant galleries. The round tower alongside was part of the city’s Roman wall.

Hotel de Ville

Not at all a hotel, but rather Tours' City Hall, this imposing edifice is a must-see architectural landmark. Lit up by night, the building and the fountain complex next to it make for a somewhat magical sight.

Hôtel Goüin / Musée Archéologique

Hôtel Goüin / Musée Archéologique is home of a 15th-century silk merchant and a masterpiece of ornate, lavish Renaissance decoration inside and out. This is Tours’ main historical museum.

Jardin Botanique de Tours

Except for the greenhouses and lush greenery in the summer months, this Botanical Garden also houses a mini-zoo (which will surely delight the little ones), as well as many picnic-perfect areas.

Musée des Beaux Arts

At Musée des Beaux Arts you can find works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Degas and Delacroix, all gathered here in the old Archbishops’ Palace. In the courtyard there is a 200-year-old tree and a 100-year-old stuffed circus elephant.

Musée du Compagnonnage

This unique museum deals with the history of craft guilds that represented rope makers, wood turners, clog makers and similar occupations. The museum was created in honour of fine workmanship. Right next to the museum you can find another museum about wine.

Place Plumereau

Place Plumereau is a bustling Tours city square that comes alive in the evenings, when students flock to it and restaurants start getting filled with people. Dining options abound in and around the area.

Dining

Charles Barrier

Charles Barrier is a leading light in the region’s restaurant scene, with top quality seafood, the best local wines and superb desserts. You can find this gem on the Loire’s north bank.

La Deuvaliere

La Deuvaliere offers reasonably priced lunch menus. This popular restaurant is situated in an attractive old house. Here you can truly expect good value for money.

La Maison des Halles

La Maison des Halles consistently delivers superb innovative French dishes, and is nearly impossible to get seated at without a reservation. Make sure to plan your visit in advance.

Le Marche Gourmand

Le Marche Gourmand, a popular restaurant that fills up quickly so reservation is helpful. On the menu you will find French specialties which is served by the attentive staff.

Le Petit Patrimoine

This is one of the best in an Old Quarter street that is home to many inexpensive eating places with classic menus. The restaurant is very small with a pleasant atmosphere.

Le Roche Le Roy

Le Roche Le Roy is one of the classiest places in town. The restaurant is situated in a handsome 18th-century manor house with pretty gardens. The top chef serves high quality dishes.

Le Surya

If an Indian meal takes your fancy, this tandoori restaurant in Vieux Tours is inexpensive and has great food. A warm and welcoming place where you can enjoy your dinner to the soft traditional music played in the background.

Leonard de Vinci

In the heart of the historic center of Tours, you will find this charming, small Italian restaurant where you can enjoy very large pasta portion accompanied with wine. The food is served by the friendly staff and the price is reasonable.

Cafés

Au Temps des Rois

Au Temps des Rois is one of the most popular bars in Vieux Tours, with good atmosphere and music. Both young and old are welcome to this English decorated venue.

Bagel Corner

Bagel Corner is located in the centre of the town. Here you can enjoy delicious bagels with Parma ham, mozzarella, and other tasty fillings accompanied with hot beverages. They also serve muffins and donuts if you have a sweet tooth.

Brunch Et Gout Thé

This small place provides wide selections of teas. You will find all kinds of black teas, green teas and red teas. They also serve coffee and to accompany your drink there is always something sweet on the menu like cake or pastry.

L'Annexe de l'Aubrac

L'Annexe is a bar and restaurant that serves “dishes of the day”. The menu also offers salads, grilled fish, and tasty desserts like chocolate cake and Crème Brûlée. If the day is nice and sunny, you can enjoy your food and drink on the large terrace.

Les Relais d'Alsace

This popular mainstream brasserie is open seven days a week for food, drinks, and a convivial atmosphere. You will find this chain restaurant in city centre of Tour.

Bars & Nightlife

Cabaret Nello

Cabaret Nello is a dinner show that offers a real good time with glitzy entertainment. This will be an evening full of laughter and a place for you to enjoy dance shows and funny sketches.

Grand Théâtre de Tours

If you feel like enjoying a night at the opera you should go to Grand Théâtre de Tours, one of the city’s principal venues. Here you can choose from a full programme throughout the year.

L'Epée Royale

Located in the lively Plumereau square, this bar is a popular haunt among locals. It is well-equipped for watching live sports and is open late into the night.

La Guinguette de Tours sur Loire

La Guinguette is a beautiful riverside venue with a unique ambiance, open-air beer garden, and a stage that is frequented by live musicians.

Le Gambrinus

WIth its selection of over 120 varieties of beer, Le Gambrinus is a beer-lovers' paradise and is most certainly worth the detour from the Old Town center.

Petit Faucheux

Another great venue that lets you enjoy music is the Petit Faucheux. This celebrated jazz venue hosts performers from around the country in a varied programme.

Shopping

Catimini

Catimini sells super-chic toddler wear and is the place to go if you're looking to find the perfect gift for young parents.

Galerie Nationale

Galerie Nationale is an indoor shopping center located in the heart of the city centre and offers jewelers, perfumes and chic fashions. Here you should look for style, not just bargains.

Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is a celebrated upscale department store that can be found in most bigger cities in France. Anything your heart desires is at an arm's length here.

Les Halles Market

There are several markets in Tours. The main one, at Les Halles, the covered market at the edge of Vieux Tours, takes place daily and sells all sorts of fresh produce.

Nature et Découverte

Everything is nature-themed in this unusual boutique that will equip you with outdoor exploration gear as well as nature-themed items (even if you're not exactly planning to head into the wild anytime soon).

Rue Colbert

Cutting across rue Nationale, historic rue Colbert, mainly pedestrianized, has an attractive array of small shops, including many specialist stores. For antiques and artwork, visit parallel rue de la Scellerie.

Rue Nationale

Rue Nationale is the main commercial artery of the city, where most department stores, shops and boutiques are concentrated. It is in fact one of the oldest streets and for sure the busiest shopping street in the city of Tours.

Tourist Information

Public transport

Vieux Tours is small and can easily be discovered by foot. From morning until night, the Fil Blue public buses serve all the main streets in Tours. On some roads service continues all night. Tickets and cards can be bought from the bus driver or the Fil Blue shop. Tours has also a modern tram system which allows for easy and inexpensive access to major landmarks. Tickets can be bought from the ticket machine which are located at the tram/bus station.

Taxi

Taxis display a yellow sign on the roof. They can be hailed, phoned or picked up at cab ranks around town. Fares are metered by distance, journey time and time of day. Tips are optional. Taxi Jacques +33 6 720 242 06 Taxi Plus +33 2 47 39 51 66 Taxis Tours:

Aeroport de Tours-Val de Loire

The small, modern Aeroport de Tours-Val de Loire is located on the edge of the city, 7 kilometers from the center. If you would like to rent a car you will find several car rental companies here. There is a shuttle bus running between the airport and the city center. If flying to and from London, by far the easiest and quickest way into town is on the shuttle bus for London passengers. It runs to the railway station in Tours city center. You can alternatively take a taxi which is available outside the airport terminal.

Electricity

220/240 V, 50 Hz

Pharmacy

On the door of any pharmacy a list shows which pharmacy is on night duty. The list is also available from the police office. Pharmacie du Grand Marché:

Post

Look for the yellow and blue sign to find a post office. You can buy stamps from kiosks and newsagents. Main post office:

Telephone

Country code: +33 Area code: 0247

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Tours?

The best time to visit Tours is during the late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller.

What are the must-see attractions in Tours?

Must-see attractions in Tours include the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, the historic Place Plumereau, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses an impressive art collection.

How many days should I spend in Tours?

A stay of two to three days in Tours is ideal to explore the city's main attractions, enjoy its culinary scene, and take a day trip to nearby chateaux.

What local dishes should I try in Tours?

In Tours, try local specialties like rillettes, a type of pork pâté, and Sainte-Maure de Touraine, a goat cheese. Pair them with a local Loire Valley wine.

What is the best way to get around Tours?

Tours is best explored on foot or by using the local tram and bus services. The city is pedestrian-friendly, and public transport is convenient for longer distances.

Are there any day trips I can take from Tours?

Yes, popular day trips from Tours include visiting the nearby chateaux such as Château de Chenonceau and Château de Villandry, both easily accessible by car or train.

Where is the best area to stay in Tours?

The best area to stay in Tours is the city center, particularly around Place Plumereau, where you'll find a range of accommodations and easy access to attractions.

Trips

Delightful Loire Valley and Burgundy

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