Tours City
Located in the heart of France, on the banks of the Loire and Cher rivers, Tours stands out as the capital of the département of Tours.Indre-et-Loire as well as the Centre-Val de Loire. A city with a rich historical past, it is also a vibrant center of culture and gastronomy, promising a myriad of enriching and entertaining experiences for visitors.
This comprehensive guide is designed to guide you through the many facets of Tours. You'll discover an exceptional heritage of historic monuments, museums, castles, gardens and charming neighborhoods, all of which make this city so famous.
We'll also provide you with practical recommendations to facilitate your accommodation, travel, dining choices and access to various local services. What's more, we'll give you an overview of the cultural calendar and events that enliven Tours throughout the seasons, inviting you to make the most of your exploration of this illustrious city.
Discover Tours: a rich and diverse heritage
With over 2000 years of history, Tours offers a fascinating blend of architecture, art and culture. Whatever your interests - art, history, nature - you'll be charmed and relaxed in Tours. Explore these suggestions to appreciate the city from every angle.
The fascinating history of Tours
Established in the 1st century BC by the Romans as Caesarodunum, Tours has played crucial roles throughout history. It was the capital of the kingdom of Touraine, then the residence of the kings of France in the 15th and 16th centuries.
From the Hundred Years' War to the Renaissance and the Revolution, its impact on French history is undeniable. Discover this past with a visit to Saint-Gatien Cathedral, Saint-Martin Basilica, Château de Tours and the Town Hall.
Dive back in time in the Vieux-Tours district, particularly around Place Plumereau, with its medieval half-timbered houses.
Not-to-be-missed highlights
A city of art and culture, Tours is home to a wide variety of museums, galleries and theatres. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée du Compagnonnage with its handcrafted masterpieces, and the Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré for modern art are among the places to visit. Theater, music, dance and circus performances are regularly organized at the Grand Théâtre, Nouvel Olympia and Espace Malraux.
Green spaces and places to relax
Tours is an oasis of greenery, bordered by the Loire and Cher rivers, with UNESCO-listed landscapes. The city's gardens, including the Botanical Garden, the Prébendes Garden and the Mirabeau Garden, invite you to relax. The Gloriette leisure park, with its varied activities, promises fun for all.
Staying in Tours: tips and tricks for a successful stay
Whether you're a student, tourist or professional, Tours, a charming city full of life, promises a stay rich in discovery and comfort. It offers a wide range of accommodation, dining and transport options to meet every need.
To help you make the most of your stay in Tours, follow these tips and tricks.
Finding the ideal home
Whatever your budget or needs, Tours offers a wide range of accommodation options: hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, campsites and student residences. Reservations can be made easily online, by telephone or directly on site.
Discounts and promotions are often available, depending on the season or the length of your stay. Visit the Tours Tourist Office website to find the accommodation that suits you best.
Touraine gastronomy: where to eat?
The city of Tours, renowned for its gastronomic culture, invites you to discover the culinary delights of Touraine and the Loire Valley. Fans of fine food can sample local specialties such as goat's cheese, rillettes de Tours, poires tapées and Loire wines, as well as a variety of traditional dishes.
A wide range of restaurants, brasseries, bistros, crêperies and tearooms are on offer, with menus to suit all tastes and budgets. To find the best addresses, the Tours Chamber of Commerce and Industry website is a valuable resource.
Getting around Tours and the surrounding area
Getting to and around Tours is easy thanks to excellent public transport links. Whether you arrive by plane, train, bus or car, you'll find a multitude of options for getting around: streetcars, buses, bicycles, cabs, not to mention rental vehicles such as cars and scooters.
Ticketing and subscription solutions are available to suit your mobility needs. To explore the different means of transport and choose the one best suited to your needs, visit the Métropole de Tours website.
Cultural agenda and events: live Tours at 100%
Renowned for its dynamic, festive spirit, Tours offers a diverse range of cultural and artistic events all year round. Whether your passion lies in music, theater, dance, cinema or literature, Tours will satisfy your thirst for culture and entertainment.
Let's explore some of the city's not-to-be-missed festivals and events.
Festivals and cultural events
Tours is renowned for hosting festivals of national and international stature, celebrating diversity and artistic creativity. You'll have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, including concerts, shows, exhibitions, conferences, workshops and meetings with artists.
Don't miss: the Japan Tours Festival, for lovers of Japanese culture; the 37° à l'ombre Festival, with its captivating street shows; the Festival de la guitare de Tours, bringing together virtuosos of this instrument; and the Festival Rayons Frais, offering free shows in the heart of the Tours gardens.
Activities and leisure for the whole family
The city of Tours also lends itself to family outings, offering a myriad of activities for young and old alike. Enjoy activities, games, workshops and guided tours organized by institutions such as museums, historic monuments, libraries and cultural centers. Explore the city in a fun and innovative way, with greeter walks, costume tours or treasure hunts.
For family fun, visit the Gloriette leisure park, a space dedicated to sports, leisure and educational activities for all.
Shopping and local crafts
It's also a great place to shop and discover local crafts. Stroll through its streets and markets to find quality products, such as the famous Loire wines, goat's cheese, poires tapées and fruit tarts. You'll also be able to admire the work of the town's craftsmen and women (ceramists, glassmakers, cabinetmakers, jewelers), who make up the town's rich cultural heritage.
Don't miss the sales and clearance periods for bargains.
Conclusion
Tours, the city where everything invites you to charm: with its historical heritage vibrant, exquisite and diverse cuisine, comfortable and affordable living, efficient transportation and enriching cultural and artistic events. Add to this a variety of activities for young and old, as well as an exceptional choice of stores and artisanal products. Tours is a destination to be fully experienced and cherished.
Don't delay, schedule your getaway to Tours now to immerse yourself in the splendor of this incomparable city. An experience you won't soon forget!
FAQ
What's the city of Tours like?
Situated in the west of France, nestled between the Loire and Cher rivers, the city boasts a dynamic academic and cultural scene. This city in the Centre-Val de Loire region shines both on the sporting scene and through its high-quality facilities. Tours is renowned for its intense neighborhood life, weaving a dense network of local services.
It's also famous for its rich historical and architectural heritage. Among its treasures are the prestigious Châteaux de la Loire, a captivating historic center, remarkable religious buildings and the Château de Tours.
What cities are close to Tours?
Surrounding the commune are the communes of the Tours Val de Loire metropolis, including Ballan-Miré, Berthenay, Chambray-lès-Tours, Chanceaux-sur-Choisille, Druye, Fondettes, Joué-lès-Tours and Luynes. Also less than 10 km away are Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, La Riche, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Saint-Avertin, Rochecorbon and La Ville-aux-Dames.
Is Tours a big city?
Recognized as a major metropolis in western France, Tours is the beating heart of the Indre-et-Loire département and the Centre-Val de Loire region. With a catchment area of over 500,000 inhabitants, it ranks among France's leading conurbations. Tours enjoys a well-established reputation for its historical heritage and its Loire castles, making it a must-see on the country's cultural and tourist map.
Which district to visit in Tours?
The soul of the city can be discovered through its contrasting neighborhoods. For an immersion in history, the Vieux-Tours district offers an exceptional panorama with its half-timbered houses, the famous Plumereau and Chateauneuf squares, not forgetting the Saint-Martin basilica, the Charlemagne Tower and the remains of bygone eras. For lovers of contemporary art, the Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré (CCCOD) is a lively space combining exhibitions, workshops and cultural events in a resolutely modern architectural setting.
